Inverness United Youth Group are delighted announce the start of “Blue Light Events” in Inverness Scotland. They will be run with the assistance of Stefan Krause who is the Bid Manager for Inverness and support from Northern Constabulary.

Organisations such as Crimestoppers, SafeInverness, Drug and Alcohol Forum, Street Pastors, Youth Development Officers, Youth Inclusive and Fire and Rescue Service support teams are also working to make this project a success.

The aim is to create a safe environment for young people aged 13 to 16 to enjoy themselves. Discos, Breakdancing lessons and instruction on how to use music decks whilst learning how to be a DJ will be some of the activities available. There are Football events to be planned for the future.

The police and youth workers will be on hand throughout the evening to make sure everyone has a good time in a safe and friendly environment. Police will conduct searches and take a breath test for all people coming in to make sure Inverness’s first Blue Light Disco is a success for all.

The first event is to be held on the 11th July at the Ironworks

Starting from 5 in the evening, young people can come along to the Ironworks and join in break dancing classes or indoor sports – and all this is FREE but places are limited.

Young people can call 01463 714550 or text their name to 0794 2020773 to reserve places. Disco starts at 7pm, with an admission fee of just £1.

A second event will be held at the Spectrum Centre on 16th August.

Chief Inspector Ian Cox said:
“This initiative is totally supported by the Police and partners in creating safe environments for young people to spend recreational time in.
It embraces pursuits they are interested in and want to do, we earnestly hope that young people will attend and from a positive experience spread the word amongst their peers that this is worthwhile”.

Northern Constabulary:
Northern Constabulary strongly supports and welcomes this youth initiative and its aim of providing an event, which is free of alcohol and drugs, to enable our local young people to enjoy themselves safely. There is clear evidence from other areas where Blue Light Disco are run, that they contribute to reducing the number of young people becoming involved in unacceptable behaviour

BID Manager Stefan Krause commented.

The Inverness Business Improvement District (BID) team has worked with young people, the Princes Trust, the Police and other agencies help them get this new event off the ground.

We surveyed young people and found they really wanted more constructive things to do around the city centre. We hope that the Blue Light disco will be a positive diversion for them, that everyone will have a good time and will ask for more of this kind of event in the future

Jim Ferguson, Chair of ICPP and Crimestoppers Highlands said:

“I am very happy to support the objectives of this initiative. A safe Disco for our local young people to enjoy is long overdue.

Inverness Crime Prevention Panel and Crimestoppers Highlands are also delighted to support this worthwhile event. Young teens will be able to go dancing with their friends and take part in activities in a supervised environment. We hope the Bluelight Events become regular and well attended

Douglas Wynd Safeinverness Co-ordinator is pleased to see this type of event in Inverness; it is within the grasp of the strong group of supporters who have come together now to make these events a success locally and I am pleased to support them in this project.

DJ Dragon who will be playing from 7pm

“This’ll be our night out. Designed by young people for young people, but policed to make sure it’s safe and fun for everyone”.

Mark Hadfield, Street Pastors Coordinator said:

The “Bluelight” Discos are an excellent idea and I’m pleased that we’re able to contribute something to the mix. I hope that we can all work together to give young people an event that they’ll love and be proud of their achievements, in an environment, which is not only safe but which promotes safe life choices in a genuinely caring way.

Drew Kuzma, Project Director, Youth Inclusive:

Youth Inclusive is keen to support a fun and safe youth event that will encourage the working together of various agencies and see youth from all areas of Inverness come together and enjoy themselves.

Shahbaz Khalid, United Youth Group:

We achieved three Prince’s Trust Community Cash Awards for DJ sessions, Breakdance courses and Sport activities. We are very delighted that agencies, the business community, Youth Forum and council are supporting us to organise this first event. It’s our goal to get a permanent and safe space in the city centre where the youth can meet, enjoy themselves and have some fun.