The National Youth Work Awards would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and partners. Find out more about them, and hear why they’ve chosen to sponsor their award categories.
The National Youth Work Awards would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and partners. Each organisation shares a commitment to improving outcomes for young people and recognises the vital contribution youth work makes to communities across Scotland.
Through their support, we are able to celebrate excellence, showcase innovation and recognise the youth workers, volunteers and organisations changing lives every day.
BBC Children in Need
Sponsor of Arts & Creativity
BBC Children in Need is the UK’s largest independent funder of youth work, supporting thousands of charities and projects that help children and young people facing disadvantage. Through investment in grassroots organisations, positive relationships and community-led solutions, they help young people build confidence, resilience and the skills they need to shape their futures.
Paul Liddell, Lead for Youth Work at BBC Children in Need, said:
“We’re proud to sponsor this award to recognise the dedication, creativity and impact of youth workers who go above and beyond for young people every day. Youth work provides safe spaces, trusted relationships and life-changing opportunities, and it’s vital that we celebrate the individuals and organisations making this happen in communities across the UK.”
Youth Scotland
Sponsor of Community-Based Youth Work
Youth Scotland is the national charity for supporting and delivering community-based youth work. Through its network of more than 2,400 youth groups, member organisations and youth workers, it works to improve outcomes for young people across Scotland.
Mike Strang, Chief Executive of Youth Scotland, said:
“Every day across Scotland, youth workers and volunteers create safe, welcoming and inspiring spaces where young people can build confidence, develop skills and shape their futures. That is the power of community-based youth work, and it is why Youth Scotland is proud to sponsor this award once again.”
Sky
Sponsor of Digital & STEM
Sky is a leading media and entertainment company committed to creating positive social impact through programmes such as Sky Up, which invests in young people, inclusive education and future skills. Through initiatives like Sky Up Academy Studios, young people gain hands-on experience and build confidence in creative and digital environments.
Nishy Lall, Group Head of Youth and Social Impact at Sky said:
“We know that youth work plays a vital role in helping young people find their voice, build confidence and believe in what is possible for their future. We are proud to sponsor this award again as a way of recognising the dedication, creativity and impact of youth workers who go above and beyond for young people in their communities.”
Public Health Scotland
Sponsor of Health & Wellbeing
Public Health Scotland is Scotland’s national agency for improving and protecting health and wellbeing. Its work focuses on prevention, early intervention and reducing inequalities, recognising the crucial role youth work plays in supporting positive long-term health outcomes.
A spokesperson for Public Health Scotland said:
“We know that youth work plays a vital role in promoting health and wellbeing and preventing harm. Youth work is an effective preventative approach to improving long-term health outcomes by meeting young people’s needs through early intervention and trusted support.”
Scottish Police Federation
Sponsor of Inclusion & Prevention
The Scottish Police Federation represents police officers across Scotland and works to promote safer communities through effective policing, partnership working and prevention.
David Kennedy, General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, said:
“Youth work plays a vital role in creating safer, stronger communities. The Scottish Police Federation is proud to support and recognise the individuals and organisations who inspire young people, provide positive opportunities and help shape brighter futures across Scotland.”
Institute of Directors Scotland
Sponsor of Inspirational Leader
The Institute of Directors supports, develops and champions leaders across Scotland. Through connectivity, professional development and influence, the organisation works to build better leadership that benefits businesses, communities and society.
Catherine McWilliam of IoD Scotland said:
“We believe that leadership is not defined by title, but by impact. By sponsoring the Inspirational Leader Award, we are proud to recognise individuals who are driving positive change in their communities and leading with courage, empathy and vision.”
Planet Youth
Sponsor of Participation & Youth Voice
Planet Youth is a globally recognised prevention model that helps communities create healthier environments for young people. Its work is grounded in data, participation and the belief that lasting change happens when young people are actively involved in shaping solutions.
A spokesperson for Planet Youth said:
“Planet Youth only works with young people’s voice and participation at the core. We are delighted to support everyone who is enabling young people to be at the heart of decision making and prioritising their voice and participation.”
MCR Pathways
Sponsor of Recognising Skills & Achievement
MCR Pathways is a national mentoring charity connecting young people with trusted adult volunteer mentors. Through relationship-based support, it helps young people overcome barriers, build confidence and achieve positive futures.
Sharon McIntyre, Chief Executive Officer of MCR Pathways, said:
“Trusted Adults play a vital role alongside youth work in helping young people access support, realise their potential and build the self-belief needed to pursue their career aspirations and life ambitions.”
Perthshire Youth Work Partnership
Sponsor of Team of the Year
The Perthshire Youth Work Partnership brings together youth work organisations across Perthshire to strengthen youth work provision, amplify young people’s voices and improve opportunities for young people across the region.
A spokesperson for Perthshire Youth Work Partnership said:
“Youth Work changes young people’s lives every day and Perthshire Youth Work Partnership wishes to celebrate the amazing people that deliver life-changing experiences.”
Young Scot
Sponsor of Volunteer Youth Worker of the Year
Young Scot is Scotland’s national youth information and citizenship charity, providing trusted information, opportunities and services for young people aged 11–26. For more than 40 years it has supported young people to make informed choices and influence decisions that affect their lives.
A spokesperson for Young Scot said:
“We’re proud to sponsor the Volunteer Youth Worker category to recognise and champion the incredible contribution volunteer youth workers make in shaping brighter futures for young people.”