A huge congratulations to our newest array of National Youth Work Awards winners! Meet the faces and the teams behind some of the very best youth work in Scotland.
Well done to all our incredible National Youth Work Awards winners after a vibrant awards ceremony at the Hilton DoubleTree in Glasgow!
We would like to say a massive thanks to our category sponsors for making such a special evening possible: BBC Children in Need, Youth Scotland, Sky, Public Health Scotland, Scottish Police Federation, Institute of Directors Scotland, Planet Youth in Scotland, MCR Pathways, Perthshire Youth Work Partnership and Young Scot.
Your continued support for Scotland’s youth workers makes a huge difference, and the National Youth Work Awards wouldn’t be the same without you!
It was a real pleasure to be joined by Ben Macpherson MSP, Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education (including youth work). We are very grateful for his continued support for Scotland’s youth work sector, and for the recognition he’s given to the vital role youth work plays in young people’s lives, learning, wellbeing and communities.
And also a huge thank you to our funny, charismatic, inspiring host John Loughton, CEO of Young Scot – amazing work on stage throughout the evening to make sure everyone was entertained and things ran as smoothly as ever!
Congratulations to all our winners and finalists, who are all showcasing the powerful impact of youth work.
The event itself may be over but let’s continue to share, tweet, and celebrate the #YLSAwards, as this event serves as an ongoing source of inspiration.
Now, without further ado, let’s meet the winners of the 2026 #YLSAwards!
For many young people here, this is the only place they can truly take the stage. Cutting Edge Theatre supports learning-disabled young people aged 12–18 through weekly sessions tailored to individual needs, from non-verbal communication to supported performance. Demand is growing, with a waiting list now in place. Young people lead warm ups, shape performances and build confidence at their own pace. Families report stronger communication, independence and friendships. One participant progressed from being non-verbal to joining a national training programme. One parent said: “It’s his favourite day of the week – and it’s changed his confidence completely.
Finalists:
In Easterhouse, young people aren’t just attending youth programmes – they’re helping lead them. BEE’s Young Volunteer Programme supports young people to develop confidence, leadership and real responsibility within their community. Young volunteers help deliver BEE’s BUZZ and HIVE sessions for younger children and contribute to organisational decisions through BEE’s Youth Committee. Alongside practical experience, young people work towards accredited awards while building communication, teamwork and leadership skills. Every member of BEE’s current staff team began their journey as a young volunteer. A young volunteer said: “BEE trusted me with real responsibility, which made me feel valued and capable.”
Finalists:
A team of young engineers from communities often overlooked in STEM are now representing Scotland on national robotics stages. P4F Robotics brings together young people aged 10-to–18 to design, build and programme robots while developing confidence, teamwork and leadership through youth-led learning. The team has twice won the Scottish title at the international FIRST Tech Challenge UK (2024 and 2025), progressing to national finals at Cambridge University and London’s Copper Box Arena. For many, the programme has sparked a passion for engineering, coding and technology – opening pathways into careers they had never previously considered.
Finalists:
Olivia didn’t hesitate when asked who had made the biggest difference in her life. At Borders Additional Needs Group, Fauve has built relationships with neurodivergent young people through patience, respect and a neuro-affirming approach that recognises different ways of communicating and experiencing the world. She helped lead the organisation to achieve Scottish Autism’s Commitment to Good Autism Practice certification and supported young people to create To the City: A Neurodivergent Adventure, an interactive sensory arcade machine sharing lived experiences. Supporting more than 500 families across the Borders annually, the organisation creates spaces where young people build friendships, skills and independence.
Finalists:
When a young person becomes the victim of crime, recovery can take years. The Cairn Service at 6VT Edinburgh City Youth Café makes sure young people don’t face that journey alone. Since 2017 the service has supported over 317 young people aged 10-to–25 who have experienced or witnessed crime. Through long-term one-to-one youth work support, young people receive emotional guidance, help navigating court processes and connections to wider health and wellbeing services. One young person explained simply: “I would not have managed emotionally without Cairn.” The service provides stability, trust and the confidence needed to rebuild their lives.
Finalists:
Hate crime prevention was the starting point for a group of young volunteers in Stirling who wanted to challenge prejudice in their community. Their response was A Bird’s Eye View on Hate Crime, a youth-led animation campaign exploring where hate comes from. Using birds as a metaphor for diversity, the animation encourages people to report hate incidents, support victims and challenge harmful behaviour. The project has already been shared with Police Scotland, equality organisations and community leaders and is now being developed into an educational resource for schools. For the young people involved, creating the campaign turned difficult conversations into collective action.
Finalists:
Molly Geddes knows the power of youth work because she experienced it herself, first joining Glasgow Girls Club at 14 for support. Today, as Creative Director and youth worker, she leads creative projects helping young women explore confidence, safety and relationships. Her youth-led film, Where We Stop, based on lived experience of domestic abuse in young relationships, has become an internationally award-winning prevention resource used across youth work, education and justice settings. The campaign reached 6.5 million people, generating 22,000 engagements and 2,400 direct click-throughs to support services. Through Molly’s leadership, young women develop creative skills while learning about consent, boundaries and healthy relationships.
Finalist:
On a working croft in the Highlands, Lochview Rural Training is helping young people discover purpose and futures connected to the land. Through hands-on outdoor learning, participants take part in animal care, horticulture, conservation and rural skills projects that build confidence, teamwork and practical life skills. Many arrive disengaged from school or struggling with confidence, but leave with qualifications including ASDAN awards, volunteering recognition and
vocational skills linked to rural employment. Young people also help shape the organisation through a Youth Steering Group, influencing activities and programme direction. For some, the impact is life changing, opening pathways into employment and further opportunities.
Finalists:
The National Leadership Network (NLN) is redefining what youth leadership looks like for care experienced people in Scotland. Led by people with lived experience of care, the network funds and supports leadership opportunities for young people aged 14+. To date, NLN has distributed over £200,000 in grants supporting leadership projects and advocacy across Scotland. Young people help shape funding decisions, deliver national presentations and influence policy discussions in spaces including the Scottish Parliament and national conferences. Members say the experience has transformed their confidence and aspirations. As one participant reflected: “This opportunity has changed my life.”
Finalists:
For young people who couldn’t face a classroom or group setting, Ready2Thrive starts somewhere different, one conversation at a time. Since 2023, the programme has supported 56 young people, many for whom this was their first structured support, with 63% progressing into positive destinations. Through tailored one-to-one coaching, young people build confidence, learn to travel independently, improve wellbeing and gain recognised awards, with 47 qualifications achieve to date. For many, it’s a turning point. One young person who had rarely left home is now in college, volunteering and travelling independently, something that once felt impossible.
Finalists:
In Aberdeen, young people aren’t just being asked their views, they’re shaping decisions, funding and change. Aberdeen Youth Movement has built a powerful model of youth participation, engaging 849 pupils through school consultations and distributing £49,809 in Youth Action Grants, supporting projects that reached 862 young people across the city. Young people are involved at every level, from local consultations to representing Aberdeen on national and international stages, including the UN Youth Forum. The team has created a culture where young people lead, influence and see the impact of their voice. As one member put it: “It gave us the power to make our voices count.”
Finalists:
Across Dumfries and Galloway, Libby Ong is making sure where you live doesn’t limit what you can experience. As County Commissioner, she supports 578 girls and more than 150 volunteers, creating opportunities for young people in rural communities who might otherwise miss out. From organising county-wide events to leading international trips, including taking 12 girls to India’s World Centre, Libby opens doors to experiences that build confidence and ambition. She is known for going the extra mile, travelling long distances to support groups and ensuring every young person feels included. Young people describe her as someone who makes them feel safe, confident and ready to try new things.
Finalists:
From youth participants to leading change in their own community, Aimee Mason and Jessica Parker represent what youth work makes possible. Now leading youth participation across Garnock Valley, they have strengthened youth voice through forums and local decision-making, ensuring young people influence plans like Our Garnock Valley Place Plan. They also helped create the “New to You” initiative, supporting families during the cost-of-living crisis and now adopted across local schools. Young people describe them as trusted, approachable and genuine. Their journey – from participants to leaders – continues to inspire others to step forward, get involved and believe in their ability to shape their community.
Finalists:
For four decades, Walter Gorman has been a driving force for youth work, transforming opportunities for young people across Orkney. From Rock Schools and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to creating youth cafés, skate parks and volunteering programmes, Walter’s work has shaped generations of young people and strengthened entire communities. Known for his warmth, creativity and unwavering belief in young people, he has helped countless individuals build confidence, resilience and ambition. Whether supporting vulnerable young people during Covid or championing youth voice across the islands, Walter’s lifelong dedication has left an extraordinary and lasting legacy in Scottish youth work.
Denise Spence CBE has dedicated her career to empowering girls and young women through visionary leadership in Girlguiding across Scotland, the UK and internationally. As CEO of Girlguiding UK and later Girlguiding Scotland, Denise has modernised and strengthened opportunities for young people while championing inclusion, volunteering and youth voice. Her influence extends across the wider youth work sector through collaborative leadership roles, including Chair of NYVOS and board membership with YouthLink Scotland. Respected for her compassion, integrity and commitment to others, Denise has inspired generations of young people and volunteers, leaving a profound and enduring impact on youth work in Scotland.
Dr Marion Rankin has given more than 32 years of exceptional service to Scouting, providing inspirational leadership and support to thousands of young people and volunteers across Clyde Region. As Regional Lead Volunteer, Marion guided Scouting through periods of significant change and the challenges of the Covid pandemic with resilience, care and determination. Her leadership has strengthened opportunities for over 6,000 young people, while her contribution to Auchengillan Outdoor Centre has enriched the experiences of countless Scouts from across Scotland and beyond. Awarded the prestigious Silver Wolf, Marion’s lifelong dedication has left a remarkable legacy within Scottish youth work and volunteering.