About YouthBorders
YouthBorders works in partnership and collaboration with a range of organisations regionally and nationally. YouthBorders represents our network on strategic forums including the Scottish Borders Children and Young People’s Leadership Group and the Scottish Borders Community Learning and Development Strategic Partnership.
Our Aim
Working in partnership with our members, YouthBorders aims to improve young people’s lives through their participation in quality voluntary and community-based youth work.
Objectives
As a registered charity YouthBorders support the advancement of citizenship and community development by supporting voluntary and community-based youth organisations in the Scottish Borders. We also support the advancement of education of adults and young people.
- YouthBorders facilitates networking opportunities, events and provides information for voluntary and community based youth organisations, their volunteers, trustees, youth workers and other partners in the community
- YouthBorders supports organisations through the provision of a comprehensive support package for voluntary and community based youth organisations which involves PVG support, insurance, general support and advice.
- YouthBorders actively promotes setting up new groups in the community that will benefit young people.
- YouthBorders provides support and training for adults who work with young people in voluntary and community based youth organisations and partner organisations in the Scottish Borders
- YouthBorders provides opportunities for young people to engage in learning opportunities to develop themselves as youth work practitioners or in other leadership roles
Our People
YouthBorders has a small staff team led by our Chief Officer. We would love to hear from you, so please drop us a message to say hello.
- Chief Officer: Susan Hunter
- Membership Development Officer: Ayliffe Rose
- Project and Partnerships Coordinator: Carly McAllan
- Business Support Officer: Jemma Laidlaw
- Trainee Youth Workers: Arran Barker and Katie Jaffray
- Youth Development Officer (Inspire Awards): Andrew Shields
- Chairperson: Haylis Smith
- Vice Chairperson: Deirdre McKendry
- Treasurer: Frances Mullan
Our Plan
YouthBorders work to further our Strategic Plan 2019-22. Our Plan has 3 ambitions:
- Collaboration and Partnerships: a youth work sector which collaborates
- Voice and Community: a membership which is connected, empowered and represented
- Workforce Development: a membership which is support, confident and competent
In September 2021 we published our Year 1 progress update.
Our Network
YouthBorders is a network of more than 40 youth organisations in the Scottish Borders. Our network reaches nearly 5000 young people (8-25 years) through their involvement with youth groups and organisations. We support a workforce of nearly 700 volunteers and paid staff. YouthBorders is an Area Association of Youth Scotland. Our members also join Youth Scotland as part of their membership and become part of the larger national community-based youth work network. Our members are supported with networking events, training, and high-quality information and guidance. Find out more about our network of Members and Subscribers.
