Galashiels-based charity Works+ has been awarded £167,000 from the Kavli Trust over three years to expand its Doing It Differently programme, helping more young people across the Scottish Borders move into employment, education and training.
The funding provides long-term stability for the organisation following its busiest year to date and will enable the charity to increase the number of young people it supports while strengthening the ongoing assistance available after they complete the programme.
Works+ supports young people aged 16-25 who are not currently in employment, education or training. Many participants face a range of challenges including poor mental health, low confidence, social isolation and barriers linked to living in rural communities.
Across the Scottish Borders, some young people face additional difficulties when trying to access opportunities due to limited public transport, long travel distances and a lack of local employment or training options. These challenges can be particularly significant for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds or those with experience of the care system.
Through its Doing It Differently programme, Works+ takes a holistic approach that focuses not only on employability skills but also on personal development, confidence building and wellbeing.
The core programme runs over eight weeks and combines practical employability support with one-to-one guidance and accredited learning opportunities.
Participants can work towards recognised qualifications and certifications while gaining valuable experience and exploring future career, training and education pathways.
Support available through the programme includes:
The Kavli Trust funding will also help provide outings and activities that give young people opportunities to develop new experiences, build relationships and grow in confidence alongside their learning.
A key feature of the Doing It Differently programme is its extended aftercare support. Young people continue to receive guidance for up to 18 months after completing the initial programme, helping them navigate challenges that may arise when entering employment, education or training.
This long-term approach is designed to improve the chances of sustained positive outcomes by ensuring participants continue to have access to encouragement and practical support as they take their next steps.
The investment follows a particularly successful period for Works+, with the organisation supporting record numbers of young people across the region.
The charity recently reported that 111 young people completed the programme during its busiest year, while independent analysis found that every £1 invested in the organisation generates an estimated £3.90 in social value through reduced reliance on benefits and increased economic participation.
Over the next three years, the funding is expected to help around 150 young people benefit directly from the programme, creating positive impacts for individuals, families and communities across the Scottish Borders.
The award reflects the Kavli Trust’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve the lives of children and young people and create lasting social impact.
With this new investment, Works+ will be able to expand its reach across the Scottish Borders and continue helping young people develop the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to build positive futures in employment, education and training.
Works+ has thanked the Kavli Trust for its support and commitment to creating opportunities for young people throughout the region.
