The Education & Employability Service (EES) at the Musselburgh-based Bridges Project was selected as a finalist for the National Youth Work Awards 2024.

Dedicated to “transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people aged 12-25 across East Lothian and Midlothian”, it was nominated for the Skills and Achievement Award, sponsored by Skills Development Scotland.

With a “person-centred approach that combines group opportunities and one-to-one support”, EES tailors its programmes to individual needs, enabling young participants to secure accreditations, qualifications and prestigious youth awards such as the Saltire Award and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

In 2023 alone, EES supported 253 young individuals, with 174 moving into positive destinations.

EES’s success is grounded in its “open-ended, flexible support model, ensuring each young person receives a highly personalised intervention”, it was said.

The service also gives young people the opportunity to receive support for as long as they need, ensuring that they remain in touch with EES until they are settled in a positive destination.

This has made EES a “preferred choice” for many who were previously disengaged from school and other services – with 91 per cent of those supported last year reporting increased confidence.

The recent awards in Glasgow were hosted by Celebrity Big Brother winner John Loughton and, although the Bridges Project service didn’t win, the team were delighted they reached the final.

Lynne Anderson, education & employability co-ordinator at the Bridges Project, said: “We were absolutely thrilled when we heard that we had been shortlisted as a finalist for the National Youth Work Awards.

To be recognised at a national level was a real honour and a testament to the inspirational work carried out by the education & employability team on a daily basis.

We had a fantastic time at the award ceremony, and even though we didn’t win, it was great to be part of this special night celebrating the positive impact we have on the lives of so many young people.”

Tim Frew, chief executive of YouthLink Scotland, commented: “With the cost-of-living crisis intensifying, and more young people encountering obstacles in education and employment, youth workers stand out as the true changemakers.

Their invaluable contributions to the lives of countless young people deserve recognition, as they are the unsung heroes strengthening our communities.”

Dave McCallum, Skills Development Scotland’s head of careers information advice and guidance operations, added: “Skills Development Scotland is delighted to be supporting the National Youth Work Awards, recognising the critical role of youth work organisations in helping young people to gain a range of skills that will help them to achieve and reach their full potential.

“Youth work organisations provide essential support to many of our young people who are furthest from the labour market, providing successful pathways into work through volunteering, employability and other vital services.”

To get involved, visit the YouthLink Scotland website at youthlinkscotland.org