Tag: youth organisations

Edinburgh’s Time to Talk wins top partnership at Scottish Charity Awards 2026

Scotland’s voluntary sector celebrated at SCVO’s annual awards ceremony

An Edinburgh youth partnership has won a top award for its work supporting the local community. 

The Time to Talk Partnership, run by The Junction, Granton Youth, Wester Hailes Youth Agency, Canongate Youth, and 6VT, won Partnership of the Year at the Scottish Charity Awards 2026.   

The winners of the Scottish Charity Awards recognising Scotland’s voluntary sector were announced in a celebratory awards ceremony last night (Thursday 11 June) at the Radisson Blu, Glasgow. 

Hosted by Sally Magnusson and run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrates the best of the voluntary sector. This year’s shortlist included 35 individuals and organisations from charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the country.  

The Time to Talk partnership has made a significant difference for young people in Edinburgh by bridging clinical and community services and making mental health support more accessible.  

This innovative, collaboration brings together The Junction, Granton Youth, Wester Hailes Youth Agency, Canongate Youth and 6VT to deliver joined-up support – providing one-to-one provision in community settings and youth workers in NHS emergency departments at weekends.  

Young people accessing services report improved wellbeing, greater confidence, and stronger family relationships. Crucially, the partnership has strengthened relationships across the voluntary and statutory sectors, creating a more integrated and coordinated support system across Edinburgh. 

Cara Spence, Director at The Junction, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for this recognition. This award shows what’s possible when we come together with a shared purpose. It’s a privilege to work alongside our ‘Time to Talk’ partners—sharing challenges, finding solutions, and building lasting connections.  

“At a time when many young people face poor mental health, the third sector plays a vital role in prevention and support. ‘Time to Talk’ is making a real difference to young people and their families, and we’re committed to growing this impact.

“We also thank our funders, the City of Edinburgh Council and NHS Lothian, for their ongoing commitment to whole-family wellbeing and transformational change.” 

Anna Fowlie, chief executive of SCVO, said: “What a fantastic event to recognise the accomplishments of organisations and individuals throughout Scotland’s voluntary sector.

“Our finalists and winners are outstanding examples of the incredible impact made possible through the dedication of those who work and volunteer within charities, community organisations and social enterprises.

“They continue to champion important causes, deliver essential support and help create stronger, more vibrant communities. 

“Every community and every area of society benefits from the valuable work that SCVO has the privilege of witnessing every day. Thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s Scottish Charity Awards, including our sponsors, the Radisson Blu for hosting the event, and of course Sally Magnusson, who was as wonderful as ever. 

“Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners – I’m already excited to see what 2027 has in store!” 

The winner of each of the nine categories was decided by a judging panel following a rigorous shortlisting process.

The winners of the Scottish Charity Awards 2023 are: 

  • Campaign of the Year award: Victim Support Scotland
  • Volunteer of the Year award: Jim Cassidy – Men Matter Scotland
  • Climate Impact award: Crail Community Partnership
  • Employee of the Year award: Scott Montgomery  – The Killie Community
  • Partnership of the Year award: The Junction, Granton Youth, Wester Hailes Youth Agency, Canongate Youth, and 6VT – Time to Talk Partnership
  • Trustee of the Year award: Susan Griffin  – Glenurquhart Rural Community Association
  • Charity of the Year award (<£100k): Beyond Srebrenica
  • Charity of the Year award (£100K – £500K): Megan’s Space
  • Charity of the Year award (>£500k): Amma Birth Companions

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s Scottish Charity Awards winners and finalists.

“The work being celebrated tonight demonstrates the extraordinary difference that charities make to communities right across Scotland every single day. Whether tackling violence against women, supporting mental health, or driving climate action, these organisations are addressing some of our toughest social challenges at their source. 

“The Scottish Government is proud to stand alongside Scotland’s third sector. That is why we are committed to developing a Third Sector Partnership – a formal agreement co-designed with the sector to strengthen its voice and improve lives.

“Additionally, we want to continue to improve funding arrangements so that organisations like tonight’s winners can plan and deliver with confidence for the long term.” 

GY: Bricking it in West Pilton Park!

Efinburgh and Lothian Greenspace Trust (ELGT) are very proud of this hard working group of young people from Granton Youth who are learning brick laying skills in order to build some new brick planters at West Pilton Park.

This is part of the re-development of the park and will be one of the new design features.

Girlguiding: Be a Peer Educator

Become a peer educator and give girls a space to talk about what’s important to them!

As a peer educator you will explore important topics like mental wellbeing, safety and gender stereotypes, using your own experiences to become a role model for girls all across Scotland.

If you are 14-25 join us in May at our next peer education training weekend. Find out more through the link below 👇

https://bit.ly/4scuRKL

If you know someone who would make a great peer educator make sure to share the link with them 🔗

National Youth Work Awards 2026: Nominations close on Friday

⌛ Only 1 week left to nominate for the #YLSAwards 2026!

Know someone making a real impact? This is your chance to celebrate them!

Nominate an individual or group who inspires change and deserves recognition 🏆

Deadline: Friday 30th Jan 2026

👉https://bit.ly/4pEF959

Charity invites Edinburgh’s youth workers to access new resource spotlighting health issue of vaping illicit substances

ASH Scotland is encouraging youth workers in Edinburgh to access the charity’s new resources on vaping illicit substances to build their knowledge and confidence in starting conversations to help educate young people to protect their long-term health.

The charity’s ‘Understanding illicit substance vaping’ briefing features insights from young people across Scotland which were shared with the charity’s Youth Conservations Hub.

The resource is published at a time when the emerging major public health issue of youth vaping and the availability of illicit substances in e-cigarettes is causing immense concern for people working with children.

The briefing provides up-to-date facts covering a range of important topics including how younger people are accessing vapes. and the risks and side effects associated with vaping illicit substances such as Spice (man-made drugs designed to mimic the effects of cannabis) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol which is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis).

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive for ASH Scotland, said: “With concerned youth workers across Scotland regularly contacting us for advice about vaping cannabis, THC and Spice, it is vital that those working with young people in Edinburgh can access robust, evidence-based information to engage and empower youngsters to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

“Our new ‘Understanding illicit substance vaping’ briefing can enable youth workers to promote a vape-free culture and encourage the younger generation in Edinburgh to understand the risks associated with vaping illicit substances and make positive choices to protect their physical and mental health.”

The new resource can be downloaded at https://ashscotland.org.uk/illicit-substance-vaping/, and people who work or volunteer for youth groups can join ASH Scotland’s Youth Conversations Hub at www.ashscotland.org.uk/hub.




Essentia Foundation invests record £3.5m in Scotland’s young people

Hundreds of young people across Scotland have benefitted from a record £3.5 million investment from the Essentia Foundation across 2025. 

This total includes their largest funding commitment to date, with £2 million recently awarded to eight leading charities across the country.

Funding will support these organisations to deliver programmes tackling youth unemployment, poverty, poor mental health and barriers to education.

Each of the eight charities, including Edinburgh-based Children First and Bethany Christian Trust, has received £250,000, enabling ambitious projects that are helping young people build resilience, develop new skills, and take steps towards brighter futures.

This major investment comes at a critical time. Young people have been disproportionately affected by recent crises, from the long-term effects of the pandemic to the pressures of the continuing cost of living crisis.

Many continue to face the lasting consequences of disrupted education and social development, alongside limited opportunities in training and employment.

Combined with ongoing mental health challenges and persistent inequality, these barriers mean that support for Scotland’s young people is more urgently needed than ever.

Brian Davidson, Trustee and Chairperson of the Essentia Foundation, said: “Scotland’s young people are facing some of the toughest challenges in generations, and the need for support has never been greater.

“These eight charities are already making a real difference in communities across the country. This funding will help create opportunities, build resilience, and give young people the skills and confidence to thrive.

“The impact of these projects will last well beyond the life of the programmes themselves, and we hope it also sparks further support from others who want to see Scotland’s young people flourish.”

Other grant recipients of £250,000 each from the Essentia Foundation include:

  • Aberlour Childcare Trust
  • Cyrenians
  • Sistema Scotland
  • The Outward Bound Trust
  • The King’s Trust
  • The Venture Trust

These awards, alongside the additional £1.5 million that has been distributed this year by the Essentia Foundation, underpin its commitment to support young people across Scotland through initiatives focused on wellbeing, education, skills development, and opportunities for employment.

The awards also mark a milestone moment for the Essentia Foundation itself. The Foundation has confirmed it will now wind up its activities, leaving a £1.5 million legacy fund to be administered by long term partner Foundation Scotland, who have been supporting the Essentia Foundation since 2017.

Helen Wray, Head of Philanthropy & Quality, Foundation Scotland said: “We are honoured to continue Essentia Foundation’s legacy through the new fund. For the last eight years, our team has had the privilege of working alongside Essentia to ensure its resources reach young people who need them most.

“This next chapter will see us build on that partnership by supporting grassroots organisations across Scotland.

“We look forward to helping smaller charities deliver vital opportunities that improve wellbeing, education and future prospects for children and young people, ensuring Essentia’s legacy and impact endures for years to come.”

This future programme will provide small grants to grassroots charities, ensuring Essentia’s mission of supporting children and young people continues well into the future.

For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/FoundationScotlandEssentia

CashBack for Communities supports thousands of young people

Report highlights impact of programme

A programme funded from the seized assets of criminals delivered £6.2 million funding to support over 15,000 young people during 2024-25. 

The money has been used by Cashback for Communities to support 29 organisations delivering projects that divert young people away from anti-social behaviour and crime. 

A report into the second year of the programme’s three-year funding phase, which runs from April 2023 to March 2026, showed that after taking part in CashBack for Communities projects: 

  • 8,881 young people reported that they were less likely to engage in criminal or anti-social behaviour 
  • 7,049 young people reported they had reduced involvement in anti-social or criminal activity 
  • 11,810 young people reported an increase in their wellbeing 
  • 10,524 young people reported positive changes in behaviour 

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown said: “This report highlights the success of the Cashback for Communities programme which helps to divert young people from crime and anti-social behaviour and to make informed choices about their future — choices that positively impact them, their families and communities. 

“It is more than an early intervention programme – partners provide a range of support and activities offering safe spaces, trusted adults and opportunities that benefit young people to feel supported and inspired to thrive.

“Since 2008, CashBack has committed £156 million to supporting around 1.4 million young people across all 32 local authorities.

“Cashback’s success is also testament to the work of law enforcement partners in disrupting organised crime groups – bringing them to justice and seizing their ill-gotten gains, using them to deliver a successful programme across the country.”

Young People: Time to Talk

Granton Youth have partnered up with The Junction – Young People, Health and Wellbeing, 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Cafe, Canongate Youth & Wester Hailes Youth Agency to be apart of a project called ‘Time to Talk’ – to try and support more young people across Edinburgh.

If you are aged 12 – 25 and are looking for support then get in touch with ourselves or find the contact information for your area in the poster attached.

#grantonyouth

#gy

#timetotalk

MYDG to launch Trainee/Volunteer Group

NEW GROUP STARTS WEDNESDAY 5th FEBRUARY 6.30 – 8PM at PENNYWELL HUB

⭐️⭐️TRAINEE/VOLUNTEERS⭐️⭐️

MYDG have a new project starting on Wednesday evenings for S3+

If you are interested in being a trainee or volunteer with MYDG drop us a message or email Gillian@mydg.org.uk

The group will run Wednesday evening 6.30-8pm @ our Pennywell hub starting on Wednesday 5th February.