We named the initiative ‘It’s a Small World’ because we wanted to introduce young people to each other from around Scotland and Northern Ireland via youth exchanges to and from each organisation and we were not disappointed with the response.

It was a massive Yes from young people and staff from the brilliant YouthAction Northern Ireland; another two brilliant groups Escape Youth Services and TD1 Youth Hub, both from the borders of bonnie Scotland and finally the amazing Oasis Youth Centre from Dumfries and Galloway culminating in thirty-eight young people and ten staff members participating between the four groups.

Once the excitement of settling in and getting ready for the visit, Dumfries House provided team building/ice breakers to virtually ‘break the ice’ and this worked perfectly with everyone taking part.

Following this we visited the newest restaurant in Cumnock The Clydesdale where they enjoyed the most delicious meal and drinks provided by Leisa and Stevie the proprietors. At the restaurant we were joined by Provost Jim Todd and Depute Provost Claire Leitch who shared his memories and experiences whilst in the Royal Navy and provided a motivational speech to all young people to believe in themselves and be what they want to be – So Inspiring – thank you Provost Jim Todd – it was a pleasure.

Next day on April 3rd again a remarkably busy day for everyone with a tour of the resplendent Dumfries House and we cannot thank the team at the house and the residential centre for their amazing hosting opportunities. We are so proud of our local area!

Not stopping there, we then trouped off to the Heritage Centre Cumnock based at Caponacre Industrial Estate where the hosts provided a highly informative tour and the history of Cumnock – thank you so much for this.

Then of course, we just couldn’t let anyone miss out on our amazing venue given we were the hosts it was important to share our building and introduce staff – everyone came along – as well as some of our local members to enjoy “the yipworld experience” with everyone participating in our pool tables; sports activities in the MUGA; arts and crafts; gaming; playing cards and as part of the evaluation complete their own jigsaw pieces that captured their opinions on the experience.

And finally – the last day on Thursday 4th, again at Dumfries House we channelled our inner Robin Hood and enjoyed archery and then to top it all a go at the climbing wall before waving everyone goodbye or Hasta La Vista as we will meet again.

What was the outcome for this experience? Introducing young people to our amazing and beautiful country; building the confidence of young people; helping them establish friendships from other areas; understanding the cultures of different local authorities for youth work and providing other groups with ideas for youth exchanges to build youth work as one of the most important service deliveries any young person can experience.

We would just like to thank everyone involved for this amazing three-day experience and it’s not finished yet – after saying our goodbyes we will be right on the organising of yipworld visits to Dumfries and Galloway, Peebles and of course Northern Ireland.

From the team at Yipworld.