TD1 Youth Hub, a youth work organisation based in Galashiels, celebrated its 10th anniversary on Monday. The organisation also won the Community Based Youth Work Project category at the National Youth Work Awards on Wednesday.
The 10th anniversary event was attended by over 80 people from across the community, including young people, parents/carers, partner organisations, funders, and supporters. Three speakers addressed the audience, including Galashiels Academy Headteacher Kevin Ryalls, Youth Scotland Chief Executive Mike Strang, and keynote speaker John Loughton. The event also looked back on the last 10 years with a video showing and launched their 2022-23 Annual Report.
23 young people were presented with Saltire Awards recognising their volunteering hours, and 29 young people received their Dynamic Youth Awards for developing their skills.
Kevin Ryalls, headteacher of Galashiels Academy, spoke about the close working relationship between the school and TD1 Youth Hub. He said that the two organisations work together to provide a comprehensive support system for young people in Galashiels. Mike Strang, CEO of Youth Scotland, spoke about the importance of the life-long skills that young people learn through programs like the Dynamic Youth Awards. He said that these skills can help young people succeed in school and their futures. John Loughton, an award-winning speaker, spoke passionately about his background growing up in a deprived community in Edinburgh. He shared how youth work helped him overcome challenges and build a better life for himself.
“We were thrilled to be able to welcome so much of the Galashiels community to share our tenth anniversary,” said TD1 Youth Hub Manager Douglas Ormston. “It is so important to us to mark young peoples achievements and milestones. These young people are working to help make Galashiels better and a place they and other young people feel comfortable in.”
On Wednesday, TD1 Youth Hub was nominated for the Community Based Youth Work Project category at the National Youth Work Awards hosted by Youthlink Scotland in Glasgow. At the glitzy red carpet event in front of 300 other people from across Scotland, TD1 Youth Hub flew the flag for the Scottish Borders and Galashiels being declared the winners of the category.
“We were really blown away to win against some other quality youth work projects,” said Douglas Ormston. “We are delighted to win and dedicate this to all the young people we work with past and present who it has been a privilege to be involved in their lives and play a small part in supporting and inspiring young people.”
The judges commented that it was clear that the organisation has transformed lives in Galashiels, offering support through inspiring trust between young people and adults but most importantly making a difference.
TD1 Youth Hub is a registered Scottish charity that provides a range of services to young people in Galashiels, including drop-in sessions, workshops, and one-to-one support. The organisation is committed to helping young people develop their skills, build their confidence, and make a positive contribution to their community.
For more details about TD1 Youth Hub please visit – www.td1.org.uk
For more information about the Youthlink Youth Work of the Year Awards visit www.youthlink.scot/news/national-youth-work-awards-winners-2023
