Action on Sectarianism

Are you a youth worker looking to discuss sectarianism with your young people? 🗣️

💻 Check out our tried and tested resource library, created and delivered within school and community settings to explore the issues surrounding sectarianism.

We have a range of information and interactive materials including quizzes, radio programmes, videos and activities - all quality assured and supported by Education Scotland!

Find out more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3YQ9aDF

📣 It's World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, set up by the UN to bridge the gap between cultures.

💬 A lot of conflict and disagreement is driven by a misunderstanding of cultural differences - highlighting how important it is to have conversations, learn from each other, and come together rather than be separated. 🤝

Why not spend some time today opening a dialogue about the different cultures in your community?

Graffiti update

I recently shared information on the increase in graffiti locally, particularly football related graffiti, and the reporting of this to be cleaned. This was a topic at last week's Environment and Climate Change Committee, where I raised concerns about the graffiti throughout the area and where the council agreed to introduce a multi-agency working group and engage with Police Scotland, utilities companies, and football clubs.

The information provided to Councillors at this meeting stated: "Emerging anecdotal evidence indicates a noticeable rise in sectarian and football‑related graffiti, likely linked to the unusually competitive nature of the current Premier League season. A significant number of images are now circulating that document this increase. This type of graffiti has a negative impact on local communities, contributing to a sense of division, reducing feelings of safety and undermining the overall appearance of neighbourhoods.

"Simply cleaning graffiti each time it is reported does not address the underlying behaviours that cause repeat incidents, particularly where markings are intended to provoke tensions. These types of graffiti often reappear quickly after removal, creating a cycle of reactive work that absorbs significant staff time without achieving a lasting improvement in the local environment. While prompt removal is important, it does not deter individuals who are motivated by rivalry, territory-marking, or the desire for visibility. Without a wider approach including prevention and community engagement, enforcement the problem simply resurfaces.

"The financial and operational implications of this cycle are substantial. Each call-out requires staff, vehicles, cleaning materials and, in some cases, specialist equipment or protective coatings. Over time, repeated visits to the same locations place pressure on already limited resources and divert crews away from other essential maintenance tasks. This reactive model is not sustainable, especially as costs continue to rise. A more strategic and proactive approach is therefore necessary to reduce recurrence and ensure that resources are used efficiently.

"Community Operations aims to establish a coordinated, multiagency approach that brings together Police Scotland, public utility providers, community organisations, education partners and the Council. This partnership would focus on tackling the issue through a balanced programme of education and enforcement. Delivering this approach will require support from colleagues across Communications, Education, the Community Partnership Team and other relevant services to ensure full coordination and consistency. In light of the current challenges, the Service proposes to engage directly with Motherwell Football Club, Celtic Football Club and Rangers Football Club to seek their cooperation and support. North Lanarkshire will continue to respond to reports of graffiti on Council‑owned assets."

I have reported numerous items of graffiti but would encourage everyone to do the same. The online reporting forms, and information on reporting concerns to utilities companies, can be found at: https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/pests-and-pollution/its-your-place/graffiti-and-vandalism

Today is the start of 🧠

This year the theme is ‘action’, encouraging you to make positive changes for yourself, for someone else, and for all of us.

ℹ Mental health can affect anybody, and everyone is going through something - it's important that no matter our differences, we can come together to take positive action and help build a movement for good mental health. Let's support one another today and every day! 🙌

⚽ When watching a football match, friendly rivalry is healthy - but taking it too far and letting it divide us is not.

Let’s make sure we’re thinking about others and working together to make football an enjoyable family friendly space 👨‍👩‍👦 keep it respectful so it’s a good time for all! 🤝

Glasgow Shows Sense Over Sectarianism This week Nil by Mouth took its STEM Together project into Glasgow schools for the first time as part of its partnership with the city council’s Sense over Sectarianism (SOS) programme.Primary 7 pupils from Oakgrove and St Jospeh’s Primary School's joined Nil by Mouth Director Dave Scott and SOS...

Are you a youth worker looking to discuss sectarianism with your young people? 🗣️

💻 Check out our tried and tested resource library, created and delivered within school and community settings to explore the issues surrounding sectarianism.

We have a range of information and interactive materials including quizzes, radio programmes, videos and activities - all quality assured and supported by Education Scotland!

Find out more ➡️ https://bit.ly/3YQ9aDF

🌍 Happy Earth Day 🌍

If we look after this amazing planet and all the people in it - we make sure that we all have bright futures ahead!