Trusted relationships in school

TD1 and Galashiels Academy have worked together since 2015. Our two full-time youth workers support pupils across Broad General Education and Senior Phase, connecting support in school with young people’s lives, families and communities.

We take time to listen, understand what matters and agree next steps with each young person. One-to-one support can focus on emotional wellbeing, confidence, managing feelings, setting goals and reconnecting with learning.

Working alongside school staff, we contribute to attendance support, re-engagement plans and transitions. Youth work gives pupils another trusted adult and a different way to explore challenges and recognise their strengths.

Learning through youth work

Group programmes create opportunities to build skills, relationships and achievement. These have included Thrive’s SCQF Level 4 Wellbeing Award and an SCQF Level 6 Youth Work Course covering communication, community engagement, online safety and project planning.

Fuel Up and Bright Start offer food and a calmer start to the day. Work with the school’s Inclusion team explores positive masculinity, identity and healthy relationships. Senior Phase support helps young people consider their next steps, including routes into TD1 Pathways where appropriate.

Our impact in 2025/26

The TD1 × Galashiels Academy Impact Report 2025–26 records:

385

one-to-one sessions

7

group programmes

What pupils told us

• 86% felt more confident speaking to trusted adults.
• 81% reported better ways to cope with stress or difficult feelings.
• 71% felt more confident about learning.

Percentages reflect pupil feedback reported in the 2025/26 impact report, rather than all pupils at the school.

Finding the right support

Pupils, parents and carers can speak to the school youth work team, ask school staff or contact TD1. We will talk through what is needed and agree the most appropriate route alongside the school and young person.