Grassmarket Community Project supports young people to flourish

Grassmarket Community Project supports people facing barriers linked to poverty, homelessness, health, isolation, and access to work and learning. Based in Edinburgh city centre, the organisation provides a wide range of programmes that combine practical support, learning, and social connection. Through its social enterprises and community activities, it works alongside its members to build confidence, skills, and stability.

With a grant of £20,000, Grassmarket Community Project delivered its Young Members and Employability Programme, supporting young people aged 16 to 25 to build confidence, skills, and experience for future work, education, and personal development. Over the year, the programme supported 121 young people through weekly Learning Hub and Oot The Box sessions, combining employability support with creative and social learning in a safe, supportive setting.  

“Support from the Bairdwatson Charitable Trust through Foundation Scotland has made a real difference to our organisation and the young people we work with. The funding for our Young Members and Employability Programme has allowed us to deliver consistent, high-quality opportunities that help young people build confidence, gain skills and take positive steps towards work, education and wellbeing. This support has created lasting benefits for our community.”

The programme offered accredited learning, employability sessions, creative workshops, and opportunities to gain real experience through partnerships and social enterprises. Creative activities such as art, storytelling, photography, and music played a central role, helping young people build confidence, communication skills, and a sense of belonging. Young members also planned and delivered public events, including a Summer Showcase and live music performances, gaining experience in teamwork, organisation, and customer-facing roles.

Alongside group activity, young people followed personalised learning and work pathways. Many achieved accredited qualifications, while others took part in paid pre-apprenticeships and voluntary work placements within Grassmarket’s social enterprises. These opportunities helped young people develop workplace skills such as timekeeping, responsibility, and communication, supported by staff mentoring.  

The project was adapted in response to young people’s feedback, with more focus placed on creative wellbeing activities to support mental health and resilience. This helped sustain engagement and strengthened relationships within the group. Participants reported increased confidence, improved communication, and greater belief in their future. For many, the programme became a stable and supportive part of their week.

Case Study: written by a Grassmarket Community Project young member Story 

Before I got involved in the work experience programme at the Grassmarket Community Project, I wanted to try something new but wasn’t really sure where to start. I’d been a member for a while but hadn’t taken part in Oot the Box. When I finally went along, I really enjoyed it - everyone was welcoming, and the sessions helped me feel more confident. One of the staff mentioned there was an opportunity to do a work experience placement in the tartan retail shop, and I decided to give it a go.  

At first, I was nervous because I didn’t have any experience in retail, but I quickly started to learn a lot. I was shown how to use a sewing machine, cut and make patterns, prepare and post online orders, and serve customers. I learned how the shop supports the wider community and how the work we do connects to other local businesses. It’s a fun and social place to be, and I’ve really enjoyed being part of it.  

Over the eight weeks, my confidence grew so much. I started to feel comfortable talking to customers, sharing information about the project, and helping out with different tasks. I realised I was capable of more than I thought, and I began to really look forward to my days in the shop. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved - I tried something completely new, pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and discovered skills I didn’t know I had. After finishing the placement, I was invited to stay on as a volunteer, and now I help out twice a week in the shop. It feels great to keep learning and contributing. Being part of the Grassmarket Community Project has given me new confidence, new friends, and a sense of purpose.

Project at a glance

• 121 young people supported over the year
• Young people aged 16–25 facing barriers linked to poverty, isolation, and mental health
• 68 accredited qualifications achieved
• 5 paid pre-apprenticeships completed
• 6 voluntary work experience placements within social enterprises
• Weekly employability, learning, and creative sessions delivered
• Increased confidence, communication, teamwork, and readiness for work or further learning

Additional impact: 

Improved wellbeing, reduced isolation, stronger peer connections, increased participation across the organisation, and clearer pathways into work, training, or volunteering. 

The grant enabled Grassmarket Community Project to meet rising demand and deepen its impact. Further funding and partnerships are being sought to build on this work, expand apprenticeship routes, and ensure the programme remains accessible to young people who would otherwise struggle to engage with learning or employment.

Read more about the Bairdwatson Charitable Trust