Support That Fits
TD1 Pathways
Employability support for young people aged 16–26 in Galashiels and the wider Eildon West area. Build confidence, overcome barriers and take your next steps towards learning, training or work.
- Who
- Young people aged 16–26
- What
- One-to-one mentoring and employability opportunities
- Where
- TD1 Youth Hub and community settings
Your next step starts with you
You do not need to have your future planned out or feel ready for a job before speaking to us. Pathways starts with your interests, strengths and the things you would like to work towards.
The project supports young people who face barriers to employment, including low confidence, wellbeing difficulties, limited qualifications, caring responsibilities or transport challenges. We recognise that practical issues and how you are feeling can affect what feels possible.
A trusted youth worker will take time to get to know you and agree a plan with you. Your goals and pace shape the support.
One-to-one mentoring
Regular mentoring offers consistent support to work through challenges and move towards your goals. Together, you can build confidence and routines, explore opportunities, develop skills and agree manageable next steps.
Support often begins with an initial 8–12 weeks, with progress reviewed together and further support agreed where needed. Meeting times are arranged individually.
Sessions can take place at TD1 or in community settings. Walk-and-talk sessions and practical travel support can help if getting to an appointment or new opportunity feels difficult.
Learning and practical opportunities
Skills for your next step
Pathways connects mentoring with opportunities to try things, build experience and gain qualifications. Depending on your goals and current provision, this can include:
- Supported volunteering and work tasters.
- Accredited learning and training.
- Construction-related CSCS training or food hygiene qualifications through partner providers.
- Support to explore education, training and employment routes.
The team will explain what is available and help you work out what fits your plan.
A plan that fits your goals
You and your youth worker agree what you want to work towards, identify what is getting in the way and plan realistic next steps.
This might mean building a routine, trying a volunteering opportunity, finding a suitable course or preparing to move towards work. The team will help you explore the options currently available.
Support that joins up
Wellbeing support can sit alongside employability work. Where helpful, Pathways can connect you with Stepping Stones and TD1’s wider youth work opportunities.
The team works with partners including Skills Development Scotland, Developing the Young Workforce, Borders College and Scottish Borders Council’s Community Learning and Development service to help you explore the right next step.
Making it work for you
Tell us if travel, caring responsibilities, communication or access needs make it harder to take part. We can discuss meeting locations, quieter spaces, breaks and other adjustments with you.
Progress does not always happen in a straight line. We review the plan together and discuss ongoing TD1 support or a supported introduction to another service where that would help.
Talk to the Pathways team
You can contact Pathways yourself. Parents, carers and professionals can also get in touch to discuss a referral. A brief outline of what you would like help with and a way to contact you is enough to start.
Ask about PathwaysCall 01896 752 442 or email admin@td1.org.uk.
Based at 47a Ladhope Vale, Galashiels, TD1 1BW. Please arrange a meeting with the team.
TD1 Pathways is supported through No One Left Behind and the Scottish Borders Local Employability Partnership.
Feeling safe and supported
You can talk to a youth worker if something worries you or makes it difficult to take part. We listen and take concerns seriously. We cannot promise to keep information secret if sharing it is needed to help keep someone safe.
Read about safeguarding and raising a concern ↗
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.