About YouthBorders
YouthBorders is the network of voluntary and community-based youth organisations in the Scottish Borders, supporting and promoting good quality youth work. Our vision is of a youth work sector which is connected, collaborative, respected and recognised; working together to improve the lives of young people in the Scottish Borders.
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 provide 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
- Projects Coordinator: Carly McAllan
- Business Support Officer: Jemma Laidlaw
- Chairperson: Colin Easton
- 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 2020 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. Our members are supported with networking events, training, and high quality information and guidance. Find out more about our network of Members and Subscribers.
Our Partnerships
YouthBorders is a partner within the Scottish Borders Strategic Youth Work Partnership. This partnership, where YouthBorders is the anchor organisation, is currently funded by the National Lottery Community Fund to deliver our Stepping Stones project. Stepping Stones is ambitious to improve the emotional health and wellbeing of targeted young people across the Scottish Borders within a universal youth work setting. The Partnership is also delivering activity within the Scottish Government’s Youth Work Education Recovery Fund.
YouthBorders Strategic Plan
This plan sets out the organisational intentions of YouthBorders through to 2022.
Download The Strategic Plan