Alness youth group The Place issues respect plea after ‘disgusting abuse’
ABUSE and disrepect aimed at staff of an acclaimed Easter Ross youth group has been described as “soul-destroying” - and prompted a drop-in to be put on ice.
The alarming abuse directed towards staff at The Place in Alness has meantime prompted a surge of support for youth workers in the firing line.
The group posted its concerns saying it had stayed quiet on social media as it reflected on the youth club, The Field - an outdoor area created for community benefit during the coronavirus pandemic - and its current workload.
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It posted: “Our concerns have been the increased disrespect to our drop-in and the staff by many of the youngsters that use us regularly.
“Parents would not believe the level of abuse we take however I say that knowing that we have also had to take some abuse directed at us from some parents lately as well.
“It is soul destroying as our team give 100 per cent for the young people of the community and we look on distraught as we see the behaviour deteriorate. We made the decision to close Drop-In recently and within 30 minuntes received calls from other partners to say they had kids on their roof, there were flames on the road and kids throwing glass. We can’t be held responsible for your children just because our building is shut.
“It remains shut until we feel the youngsters are ready to appreciate the building and staff. This is not shut down [due] to any one person’s behaviour.
“I was reluctant to post this however one of our staff has spent the whole day today fielding absolutely disgusting phone calls made to her personal phone. The things they have called her, her family and members of our team are simply disgusting.
“As a parent you might want to ask where your child has been today and ask to see their phone as we have evidence of a group of youngsters abusing our staff and we will be contacting the police.”
The heartfelt appeal has been shared scores of times and attracted hundreds of comments.
Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty, Joanie Whiteford, posted: “It is so disappointing to read that those who are working hard to create a safe and fun place for our young people to meet are not being treated with the respect they deserve.
“The Place have always supported our young people, it is time ALL our young people treat their staff and volunteers with respect.”
Addressing her comments to Janette Douglas, a leading light at The Place, one local ward councillor, Maxine Smith, posted: “I can’t wait to end my innings as a councillor as the years since Covid have seen torrents of abuse from adults towards us, trolling, false accusations and endless torment. Working for the community is absolutely NOT easy or appreciated.
“My two words of advice: a) think what it would be like for those children if you didn’t do what you do - even if you help one child to lead a happy and fulfilled life you’ve done your job but we know you help hundreds.
“Second thing is don’t forget there are MANY lovely people and families in the community so don’t let’s think that this area is worse than anywhere else because it isn’t. The good ones keep me going and like you I hope I can help some people.
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“Alness would be a worse place if we didn’t have The Place!!”
And Lore Smith summed up the feelings of many others when she posted: “Unfortunately, it is a reflection on our current society. Some will spoil it for everyone else, the abuse is awful and parents really need to do better, control themselves and their offspring.
“You guys volunteering all these years for the kids and by extent the local community has been wonderful, it is such a shame that it's come to this.
“Parents, it is not down to The Place or The Field to parent your kids. Take some responsibility for your kids.”
