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: Creative Scotland, Youth Scotland, Sky, Public Health Scotland, Scottish Police Federation, Institute of Directors, Planet Youth in Scotland, SCQF Partnership, Perthshire Youth Work Partnership and Volunteering Matters.
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!
And also a huge thank you to our funny, charismatic, inspiring host John Loughton who just happens to know a thing or two about youth work! 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 2025 #YLSAwards!
Sponsored by Creative Scotland
Winner: Rebecca Horner – Comics Youth SCIO
Rebecca Horner is changing lives one panel at a time. As Art Director at Comics Youth SCIO, she’s supported over 120 young people in Dundee through comics creation workshops. Mentoring them to publish books, return to education, and grow their confidence. A co-founder of the UK’s first youth-led publisher, she’s helped create over 25 publications that amplify marginalised voices. Her workshops connect local schools, museums and mental health services with underserved young people. Rebecca’s advocacy has sparked creativity, inclusion and lasting change, making her a true force in Scotland’s youth work and arts sectors.
Finalists:
Sponsored by Youth Scotland
Winner: Perthshire Youth Work Partnership
The Perthshire Youth Work Partnership unites seven organisations across Perth & Kinross, reaching nearly 4,000 young people with community-based, youth-led opportunities. From shaping a joint Youth Work Strategy, the first in over a decade, to launching career pathways where 50% of staff were once service users, it’s a model of transformative, universal youth work. Highlights include the Y Games, an annual event uniting 100+ young people, and consistent informal learning through High 5, Dynamic Youth, Saltire Awards and PDAs, developing real skills and futures through fun, connection, and empowerment.
Finalists:
Sponsored by Sky
Winner: Young Reporters Senior Group Lanark
The Young Reporters, part of South Lanarkshire Council’s youth work service, started as a podcast group — and quickly became a full media movement. Young people now create video interviews, monthly radio shows and podcasts, using media to share stories and raise awareness of issues. They’ve interviewed MSPs, hockey players and wrestlers, reported from the Scottish Parliament, while building confidence and connection along the way. The Young Reporters aren’t just developing digital and STEM skills — they’re also learning how to plan, present and create content for different audiences, while developing transferable life skills like teamwork, communication and organisation.
Finalists:
Sponsored by YouthLink Scotland
Winner: Passion4Fusion
In Edinburgh, Passion4Fusion is breaking down barriers, encouraging cultural integration, and building bridges between diverse communities. For marginalised young people, it offers a safe space to find their voice, build confidence, and connect across cultural divides, tackling challenges like mental health, education, and inequality. The impact goes far beyond skills, it’s about creating a sense of belonging. Young people once held back by social exclusion or discrimination are now stepping into leadership roles, and inspiring others. Programmes like peer mentorship and leadership workshops encourage critical thinking while addressing systemic inequities.
Finalists:
Sponsored by Public Health Scotland
Winner: Time to Talk
Time to Talk is a collaboration of five youth work organisations in Edinburgh focused on young people’s mental health. It offers safe spaces to build resilience, express themselves, and access support. A key feature is its weekend presence at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, integrating youth work within clinical settings. In partnership with NHS Lothian and the community, the project delivers coordinated, holistic care that empowers young people to manage their mental health. It has made a profound difference, equipping young people with the tools to improve their mental health literacy, build resilience, and form lasting connections.
Finalists:
Sponsored by Scottish Police Federation
Winner: Compass Project – North Lanarkshire Council
The Compass Project is changing the lives of young people in conflict, or at risk of conflict, with the law. Rooted in relationship-based practices and a contextual safeguarding approach, it’s youth work that inspires growth, safety, and opportunity. The project has supported 55 young people to date, through prevention models and with hundreds of one-on-one sessions delivered, alongside extensive collaboration with schools and families, the project has become a trusted name in its community. Awards and achievements are woven into its fabric, 35 young people have started SQA qualifications, and outdoor learning awards have given life skills and confidence.
Finalists:
Sponsored by the Institute of Directors
Winner: Jane Akadiri – Touch of Love Young Achievers Club
Jane Akadiri is a driving force for change in Aberdeen. Through Touch of Love, she’s supported over 450 young people, run a food bank serving tens of thousands, and created programmes that build pride, connection, and real-life opportunities. She tackles exclusion with practical action—building bridges between communities, families, and services. Her leadership is hands-on, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in justice. Jane is also a vocal advocate for cultural sensitivity within child protection and public services. Her work has shaped more inclusive practices and given a platform to young New Scots to tell their stories and pursue their ambitions.
Finalists:
Sponsored by YouthLink Scotland
Winner: Ullapool Sea Savers
Ullapool Sea Savers’ Love Our Seas project is youth-led marine conservation in action. Based in the heart of the Wester Ross Marine Protected Area, young people snorkel, kayak, and explore from a floating classroom—learning directly from the sea they’re working to protect. They turn eco-anxiety into action through creative, grassroots campaigns that raise awareness, influence decision-makers, and celebrate local marine life. New members are mentored, fun is part of the process, and everyone’s voice matters. Whether restoring habitats or speaking up for the ocean, these young conservationists are making waves—locally and beyond—by showing just how much there is to love.
Finalists:
Sponsored by Planet Youth in Scotland
Winner: Shetland Youth Voice
Re-established in 2024, Shetland Youth Voice is making sure young people across the islands have a genuine role in local decision-making. With over 50 members, the group has already made an impact—bringing national partners to a Transport Summit, influencing the council’s Corporate Plan, and creating new social events for young people. It’s about having a seat at the table and being taken seriously. From transport to mental health, members are speaking up and shaping the future of their communities. Along the way, they’re building skills, gaining experience, and showing just how much young people can contribute when they’re listened to.
Finalists:
Sponsored by SCQF Partnership
Winner: Ocean Youth Trust Scotland
Ocean Youth Trust Scotland supports over 650 young people each year through life-changing sailing voyages. As the only youth work organisation in Scotland delivering SQA qualifications at sea, they provide more than 1,000 awards annually, including RYA sailing certificates and Duke of Edinburgh achievements. Many participants come from Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities, and through partnerships like CashBack for Communities, they gain not just skills, but a sense of purpose and direction. For some, like 17-year-old Ryden, the experience is transformative—he now volunteers to support others. It’s about learning to steer a boat, yes—but also learning to steer your own future.
Finalists:
Sponsored by Perthshire Youth Work Partnership
Winner: Irvine Youth Legacy Centre
The youth work team at Irvine Youth Legacy Centre (IYLC) are a lifeline for many young people in North Ayrshire. Since opening in 2022, the team of seven dedicated youth workers has created a welcoming, safe space where over 370 young people come for support, food, activities, and friendship. Even with funding challenges and uncertainty about their premises, they’ve continued to grow their offer with determination and care. Young people know they can turn to IYLC for trusted relationships, practical help, and the chance to get involved. It’s a place where young people feel valued, included, and part of something bigger.
Finalists:
Sponsored by Volunteering Matters
Winner: Charlotte Bamford – Versus Arthritis
Charlotte Bamford is a dedicated volunteer who brings energy, warmth, and real understanding to everything she does with young people at Versus Arthritis. Having grown up with arthritis herself, she knows the challenges they face and meets them with kindness, honesty, and encouragement. Whether she’s leading workshops, chatting late into the evening at residentials, or simply listening, Charlotte makes young people feel seen and supported. Her presence lifts others. She brings fun, confidence and hope into spaces that can often feel tough. Charlotte doesn’t just support young people—she shows them what’s possible, and that they’re not alone on the journey.
Finalists:
Sponsored by YouthLink Scotland
Winner: Caroline Crozier – The Junction
Caroline Crozier has spent over two decades supporting young people in Edinburgh, particularly those affected by substance use and trauma. Known for her compassionate, life-saving support, Caroline has helped countless young people navigate their challenges with a focus on harm reduction and empowerment. Her impactful drug-awareness programme is just one example of her dedication to improving the lives of young people in the community. Caroline has earned the trust and admiration of those she serves, with many attributing their survival and transformation to her unwavering commitment.
Finalists:
Sponsored by YouthLink Scotland
Ray Campbell – The Girls’ Brigade Scotland
Mrs Ray Campbell has dedicated her life to supporting young people, especially through her work with Girls’ Brigade Scotland. Stepping in as Captain of 1st Troon after retirement, Ray turned a struggling group into one of the region’s most vibrant and active companies.
Her creativity and commitment have been pivotal in growing membership and keeping costs low for young people, alongside fundraising efforts and strong community partnerships. Ray has also championed inclusivity, providing a supportive space for all young people, including those from the LGBT+ community.
Her leadership has left a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations of young people and leaders within Girls’ Brigade Scotland.
Helen Turner – YMCA
Helen Turner has spent 45 years dedicated to supporting young people in Dumfries & Galloway. Starting as a volunteer in 1976, she quickly became a key figure in local youth work, serving as Chair of Dumfries YMCA.
Helen’s work with Dumfries, Stranraer, and Gatehouse of Fleet YMCAs helped create central spaces for young people to learn and grow. Her role with the Holywood Trust also expanded youth work training and supported local organisations.
One of her most significant contributions was saving Dumfries YMCA from closure, ensuring it could continue serving the community. Through her leadership, Helen has created lasting opportunities for young people.