A GROUP which works with youngsters in Galashiels celebrated a milestone anniversary last week by scooping a top award.
TD1 Youth Hub came out on top in the Community Based Youth Work Project category at the National Youth Work Awards on Wednesday.
The ceremony came just two days after the group marked its 10th birthday with a special event.
Three speakers addressed the audience of more than 80 people, including Galashiels Academy headteacher Kevin Ryalls, Youth Scotland chief executive Mike Strang, and keynote speaker John Loughton.
A total of 23 young people were also presented with Saltire Awards, recognising their volunteering hours, and 29 received their Dynamic Youth Awards for developing their skills.
Mr Ryalls spoke about the close working relationship between the school and TD1 Youth Hub.
He said that the two organisations work together to provide a comprehensive support system for young people in Galashiels.
Mr Strang spoke about the importance of the life-long skills that young people learn through programs like the Dynamic Youth Awards.
Meanwhile, Mr Loughton, an award-winning speaker, spoke passionately about his background growing up in a deprived community in Edinburgh.
Douglas Ormston, TD1 Youth Hub's manager said: “It is so important to us to mark young peoples achievements and milestones. These young people are working to help make Galashiels better and a place they and other young people feel comfortable in.”
On Wednesday, it was then onto the National Youth Work Awards, hosted by Youthlink Scotland in Glasgow.
At the glitzy red carpet event in front of 300 other people from across Scotland, the group flew the flag for the Borders by taking the coveted Community Based Youth Work Project award.
“We were really blown away to win against some other quality youth work projects,” said Mr Ormston.
“We are delighted to win and dedicate this to all the young people we work with past and present who it has been a privilege to be involved in their lives and play a small part in supporting and inspiring young people.”
The judges commented that it was clear that the organisation has transformed lives in Galashiels, offering support through inspiring trust between young people and adults.
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