On Saturday the 14th of June, YOUTHSPACE ran its first Youth Volunteering Programme Celebration event. This article gives an overview of the project and event, and has been written by two of our volunteers, Amelia and Eighlin.
What is Youth Space?
YOUTHSPACE, formerly known as Linlithgow Young People’s Project, has supported young people between the ages of 4 and 18 for the past 35 years. Whilst their work started in Linlithgow, they also now offer support to young people across West Lothian including drop-in clubs in Linlithgow and Bridgend, one to one mental health support, schools work, small group trips and volunteering opportunities. During school holidays they also provide amazing trips and local events for young people to socialise at, and make sure everyone has something positive to do with their free time. The main vision of YOUTHSPACE is to foster a sense of hope in young people and support them through life.
About the Youth Volunteering Programme
The Youth Volunteering Programme began in 2024 and provided multiple opportunities for young people in high school to volunteer at various events and activities.
Since April 2024 they have provided 211 volunteering sessions for 92 young people. This created 908 hours of volunteering and 43 accredited awards. The programme was a great place to learn new skills and work with other young people to create things for the community. From helping to paint walls and peeling vegetables, to creating treasure hunts and planning events, there was something for everyone.
Some of the young people taking part have also told us: “Through the Youth Volunteering Programme I’ve been able to gain awards and qualifications to put on my CV. The staff help you through any difficulties you face and teach you skills to take into life and adulthood.” “Youth volunteering is the best part of my week”. “Youth volunteering has opened doors to me that I wouldn’t have experienced if it wasn’t for the programme. Volunteering for even one hour a week has given me a small sense of achievement, and I feel like I’m helping the world.”
Celebration of dedication and impact
On the 14th of June we held the first of what we hope to be many, Youth Volunteering Programme celebration events. This year, we chose to have a garden party to celebrate the hard work of the volunteers which was held in Linlithgow Burgh Halls. The afternoon included speeches from two of our excellent volunteers, Freya and Amelia, and the YOUTHSPACE Project Manager, Graeme Lacey, before finally getting down to the awards presentation for those who reached between 10 and 100 hours of volunteering! The afternoon of celebration continued with the help of some delicious food, garden games and plenty of chatting. We were delighted to see so many people come along including youth volunteers, their families and board members. Councillors Sally Pattle and Pauline Orr, Fiona Hyslop MSP, and the YOUTHSPACE staff team and volunteers also attended.
A thank you to supporters
We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who came along to make the day so special and thank Linlithgow Burgh Halls for being able to accommodate us indoors at the last minute due to the bad weather. We particularly want to thank Young Start for believing in us and funding the Youth Volunteering Programme over the last year, the wider community for continuing to be so supportive of YOUTHSPACE and lastly the young people who committed so much time and energy to the programme. Amelia and Eighlin.
For more news about Linlithgow see the news section.
Article Published in The Black Bitch Community Magazine Edition 115, July 2025
