Developing youth skills in Scotland
A grant of £12,000 from the Bairdwatson Charitable Trust supported Breich Valley Community Development Trust's Youth Pathway Project by helping to fund a Youth Leader to coordinate activities, recruit volunteers, and develop local opportunities.
The Fauldhouse and Breich Valley Community Development Trust (FBVCDT) works to address social, economic, environmental, and health-related challenges within its community.
Established in 2006, the organisation delivers welfare advice, education, skills development, and community services from The Hub and Eastfield Development Centre. FBVCDT provides activities including emergency food provision, health projects, youth programmes, and volunteer-led initiatives, collaborating with over 40 partner organisations. The Trust aims to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, and promote sustainable community development.
A grant of £12,000 supported FBVCDT’s Youth Pathway Project by helping to fund a Youth Leader to coordinate activities, recruit volunteers, and develop local opportunities for young people aged 16-25. The project provides education, skills development, and employment pathways, targeting young people excluded from school, unemployed, or involved in the youth justice system.
The project delivered training in hospitality, cookery, life skills, and employment support, enabling young people to gain experience operating community cafés and participating in practical projects, such as gardening, painting, and creative workshops. A mental health and wellbeing worker offered 1:1 support and group sessions, giving young people time and guidance to progress at their own pace. Engagement included schools, colleges, and partner organisations, creating a social prescribing model with FBVCDT as a hub for positive youth opportunities.
The Fauldhouse and Breich Valley Community Development Trust (FBVCDT) said:
| “The funding from the Bairdwatson Charitable Trust, administered by Foundation Scotland, has been invaluable. It has enabled us to set up/establish the Youth Pathway Project. Without the funding provided, this would not have been possible. We now have the foundations of an excellent social prescribing model of prevention and intervention to address the issues, concerns, needs and aspirations of young people. We are now able to work towards providing access to further education, skills development, training and employment opportunities locally. Working with our partners, we are already seeing positive results. The young people are engaging, and we will continue to encourage and enable further opportunities for participation and inclusion. We think the Youth Pathway will be a model that could be replicated by other communities, as we believe that the answer to community issues largely lies within the community. That local people can help themselves and others onto positive pathways for the benefit of themselves, their families and the wider communities. It is funding that has enabled us to implement the first year of the project, to build the foundations of a great community-based, grassroots project.” |
The project enabled young people to develop confidence, employability skills, and community interaction. Volunteer opportunities and mentoring helped participants take on responsibilities and leadership roles. Public events, including fairs and markets, offered practical experience and a platform for young people to showcase skills and talents. FBVCDT integrated support for education, training, mental health, and practical life skills into a single pathway, aiming to provide long-term benefits and sustainable community impact.
FBVCDT intends for the Youth Pathway Project to continue as a rolling programme. Ongoing activities will adapt to individual needs and aspirations, with peer support and training opportunities embedded into the model. Local provision reduces barriers such as travel and costs, while maintaining access to welfare advice, housing, and employment support.
The pathway is designed to engage children and young people from an early age through to adulthood, creating a sustained route into skills development, education, and employment while reducing anti-social behaviour.
The Fauldhouse and Breich Valley Community Development Trust (FBVCDT) shared:
| “The young people have served an amazing 633 customers. The Barista training gives them a brilliant experience, improves self-confidence, increases self-esteem, teaches customer skills and improves their opportunities to gain paid employment, among other important skills and knowledge. The students are also making and serving soup and toasties in addition to the refreshments.” |
Project at a glance
- Funding supported a Youth Leader to coordinate the project and volunteer engagement
- Training, education, and employability opportunities were provided for young people aged 16–25
- Community cafés and practical projects helped develop workplace and life skills
- Mental health and wellbeing support was offered through 1:1 sessions and group work
- Partnership working with schools, colleges, and community organisations enhanced access and engagement
- Volunteer and mentoring opportunities encouraged responsibility and leadership among participants
- Through public events, young people were able to showcase skills and engage with the wider community
- The project was designed as a long-term youth pathway from early intervention to employment
- Aims included reducing isolation, anti-social behaviour, and local unemployment while building skills and confidence
Additional impact
The project created a supportive hub for young people with multiple barriers, enabling them to gain confidence, develop practical skills, and participate in the community. It strengthened connections between local services and promoted sustainable opportunities for young people, with long-term benefits for both participants and the wider community.
Read more about the Bairdwatson Charitable Trust.