Hundreds of young people attended the Corn Exchange today (Tuesday 9th September) for Igniting Change – an event placing young voices at the heart of shaping Scotland’s approach to fireworks safety.

Hosted by Fearless, charity Crimestoppers’ youth service, in partnership with Police Scotland and supported by key organisations, the initiative gave pupils a unique opportunity to share their views directly, deepen their understanding of fireworks risks, and help create resources for their peers in the run-up to the fireworks season.

The insights, experiences, and creative ideas gathered on the day will form the foundation of a new Fearless social media campaign, set to launch on 27th October across Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram, reaching hundreds of thousands of young people across Scotland in the run-up to Bonfire Night.

Throughout the day, pupils took part in six themed workshops, covering:

  • Medical realities of fireworks injuries with the Scottish Ambulance Service and Medics Against Violence
  • Animal welfare impacts with Edinburgh Zoo
  • Fire safety and prevention with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
  • Community safety and responsibility with Police Scotland, Lothian Buses, and Fearless

Young people also helped create a campaign soundtrack alongside a professional DJ, shared ideas on a digital graffiti wall, and engaged in a live Q&A panel with officials and experts.

Lyndsay McDade, Fearless Scotland Manager, said: “Every autumn, we see the real impact fireworks misuse can have on people, animals, and communities. But it’s wrong to assume young people aren’t just as affected and just as keen to see change, as adults.

“The vast majority care deeply about their friends, their families, and the places they live. Igniting Change was about giving them the knowledge to make positive choices for themselves, as well as the platform and confidence to lead conversations with their peers and help shape this year’s campaign.

“When we listen to young people, we empower them to be part of the solution and that benefits us all. From the conversations I’ve been part of and the brilliant ideas I’ve heard today, I’m confident this will shape our most impactful fireworks campaign yet.”

Chief Superintendent David Robertson, Divisional Commander for Edinburgh said: “The Igniting Change event is a terrific way for key partners to engage proactively with young people to ensure their voices are at the heart of our preventative approach, while also highlighting the potential risks to their safety.

“We recognise that meaningful collaboration with partners and young people is vital to addressing the challenges faced and this event demonstrates our shared commitment to keeping Scotland’s communities safe.

“The number of recorded incidents involving fireworks has increased and, in addition to the danger this poses to emergency services on the ground, these offences have a significant and detrimental impact on our communities, including young people.”

Head of Prevention, Protection and Preparedness for the City of Edinburgh, SFRS Group Commander Murray Dalgleish said: “Engaging with young people is one of the most valuable and worthwhile parts of the firefighter role.

“Events like this give us the chance to speak directly with young people to show them the importance of fire safety and to highlight the dangers of fire-related antisocial behaviour.

“It also gives our crews the chance to hear from young people to better understand their feelings and gives us the chance to address any queries they may have.”

Fearless will now use the insights, ideas, and creativity from the event to develop a youth-led social media campaign, launching on 27th October across Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram.

The campaign will deliver engaging, relatable content designed by young people, for young people, encouraging safer choices and stronger communities during fireworks season.

To find out more about Fearless or to pass on information about planned fireworks misuse 100% anonymously, visit fearless.org.

John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.

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