Works+ Doing it differently

For young people from the most disadvantaged areas of the Scottish Borders — many of them care-experienced — the path into work, education or training is far from certain. Many live where the bus barely runs, and several have become isolated since the Covid pandemic. Kavli Trust is now giving NOK 2.1 million to Works+, to make it easier for this group to return to employment, study or other training.

About the project

Works+ runs the «Doing it Differently» programme for young people aged 16 to 25 in the Scottish Borders who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). The programme combines eight weeks of structured work training and mentoring, accredited training in areas such as first aid, food hygiene and personal finance, work placements with local partners, and structured volunteering. The core programme is followed by 18 months of individual support, known as «aftercare», during which participants continue to receive support with job-seeking, starting education, or slipping back into old patterns. 59 per cent of participants have anxiety, depression or other mental health difficulties when they start the programme. The goal is for 150 young people to complete the core programme, and for a further 350 to be reached through the network around them.

How will Kavli Trust’s funding be used

Kavli Trust’s funding goes towards delivering «Doing it Differently», from the staff who support participants closely to the venues where meetings and courses take place. The funding also gives participants the security of 18 months of support after completing the programme. 

About Works+

Works+ is a registered charity established in Galashiels in 2018. The organisation’s purpose is to remove the barriers that prevent disadvantaged young people in the Scottish Borders from moving into work, education or training, through person-centred and trauma-informed support. Works+ works with ten local partners, including the Scottish Public Pensions Agency and the supermarket chain ASDA, who provide work placements and activities. The organisation also receives funding from Scottish Borders Council, The Robertson Trust, National Lottery Community Fund and Hymans Robertson Foundation. This is the first time Works+ has received funding from Kavli Trust.