A Prestonpans teenager is celebrating triple success after securing a college place, part-time job and a school award in the space of a couple of months.

Kai Duff, 18, who attends the Musselburgh-based Bridges Project for young people, recently started working for Midlothian Sure Start’s family learning centres across Midlothian.

Kai also attended an awards ceremony at Preston Lodge High School, where they received an accolade for upholding the school value of respect. They will also start an HNC Childhood Practice course at Edinburgh College this autumn.

These successes have all come after Kai started receiving support from Bridges Project’s Way2Work East Lothian service just before Christmas.

“I started engaging with Bridges Project to try and gain some self-confidence and to learn how to be more social and be outgoing,” said the teenager.

They were referred to Way2Work East Lothian’s employability support worker Mhairi Kiernan, who soon helped Kai to build their confidence and self-esteem, apply to college and move on from school. The pair have also worked together to update Kai’s CV and write cover letters.

Kai, who has also participated in Bridges Project’s peer-led LGBTQI+ group SAGE (Sexuality And Gender Equality), believes the charity has been “integral” in securing their college place and part-time job.

“I am so proud of how far I have come and so grateful for the support from everyone at Bridges Project,” they said.

“I feel I have developed a lot since I started working with Bridges Project. I am more outgoing and I feel more confident in myself,” said Kai.

Kai is passionate about childcare and has already completed shifts in Midlothian Sure Start’s Woodburn, Penicuik, Mount Esk and Mayfield branches as part of their part-time job with the organisation. When they complete their college degree, they will also be a qualified childcare practitioner. The Way2Work East Lothian client dreams about making the same difference to children’s lives as Bridges Project has made to theirs.

“I want to give young children the best start in life and make sure they get the same help and support as I got,” said Kai.

Employability support worker Mhairi Kiernan, whose service is funded by East Lothian Council’s One Council Partnership Fund, said she was “incredibly proud” of Kai and how far they have come.

“They were very timid and shy initially but, within in a matter of weeks, we started working at breaking down barriers whilst building up their confidence. They are such a bright and energetic person and I just love how confident they are, seeing them smile more and hearing of the activities they have taken part in,” said Ms Kiernan.

She has high hopes for Kai’s future.

“They are smashing their goals and I know they can do anything they set their mind too!” she added.