Across Aberdeen, thousands of young people are building confidence, friendships and new opportunities through the Denis Law Legacy Trust. Through free, year-round youth work programmes, the Trust creates safe spaces where young people can play sport, express themselves and feel they belong.

In 2025 alone the Trust delivered over 30,000 youth engagements, including 28,969 through Streetsport, alongside programmes supporting young people and families facing additional challenges.

The impact goes far beyond activity sessions. Streetsport has helped reduce youth-related antisocial behaviour in some areas by over 50%, showing the powerful role of community youth work.

The organisation’s long-term impact is equally striking: 70% of staff first engaged as young people or volunteers.

For many young people in South Carrick, Girvan Youth Trust is the place where friendships are built, confidence grows and opportunities open up. Through its Z1 Youth Bar and community programmes, the organisation provides a welcoming space where young people can socialise, learn and develop new skills.

Open five days and six nights each week, the youth centre offers clubs, volunteering opportunities and informal learning. Girvan Youth Trust works with more than 300 young people and their families, delivering programmes including detached youth work, youth development and inclusive support.

Young people help shape the programme themselves, leading to initiatives such as a darts club created through youth consultation. In a rural area where opportunities can be limited, Girvan Youth Trust ensures young people have the chance to connect, try new things and support personal development.

In Easterhouse, young people aren’t just attending youth programmes – they’re helping lead them. BEE’s Young Volunteer Programme supports young people aged 13-to–17 to develop confidence, leadership and real responsibility within their community. Young volunteers help deliver BEE’s BUZZ and HIVE sessions for younger children, support community events and contribute to organisational decisions through BEE’s Youth Committee.

Alongside practical experience, young people work towards accredited awards including Youth Achievement Awards while building communication, teamwork and leadership skills. The programme’s long-term impact is clear: every member of BEE’s current staff team began their journey as a young volunteer.

Young people describe gaining confidence, purpose and pride through the experience. As one young volunteer explained, “BEE trusted me with real responsibility, which made me feel valued and capable.”