A transformational Youth Hub for students with Additional Support Needs at Forth Valley College will run again at the Falkirk Campus, thanks to funding from Round five of the Falkirk Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.
The Fund which is managed by CVS Falkirk & District, on behalf of the Scottish Government, awarded FVC a grant of £11,114.86 which will allow the Youth Hub to take place at the Falkirk Campus on Tuesday afternoons from 4-6pm and allow projects with the Carronvale Care Home (Moving On project) – both pictured here - to continue and develop for the next 12 months from March 2026.
At the Youth Hub – run by Additional Support Worker Ewan Aiken and Learning Skills and Resource Assistant David Gentles – small groups of Additional Support Needs (ASN) students come together and socialise through games, activities and outing, such as walks to The Kelpies and The Helix. The project aims to support their mental health and wellbeing through building meaningful connections and friendships, coming together in an informal setting – allowing them to discuss any concerns in a safe and supported environment. They also develop positive wellbeing techniques and strategies to support their wellbeing out with college.
Moving On – was launched last year as part of the funding bid has seen individuals with learning disabilities and those who require lifelong care from Carronvale Care Home, benefit from a bespoke learning programme developed and delivered by FVC Lecturer Kerry Kay and supported by Additional Support Worker Linda Campbell.
The programme is designed to enhance the skills of the individuals, building confidence, increasing social interaction and reducing the feeling of isolation. This programme has been designed to enhance the wellbeing of those in attendance and offers a safe space to learn, meet new people and have fun.
Lynsey Hansford, CVS Falkirk & District Deputy CEO, said: “The Falkirk Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund enables a wide range of projects that help our communities live fuller, more connected, and better supported lives. Initiatives like the Youth Hub play a vital role in strengthening social connections, fostering belonging and empowerment, and ensuring that no one has to face challenges on their own. We wish the Forth Valley College team, as well as the other successful applicants from Round 5, all the best with their projects.”
Pauline Jackson, FVC’s Development and Fundraising Manager, said: “We feel very lucky be one of the local organisations supported through the Falkirk Communities Health and Wellbeing Fund as we know demand for the funding was extremely high. The Brighter Future project has been going from strength to strength, working to support the mental health and wellbeing of our Additional Support Needs students and with the individuals from Carronvale Care Home. None of this would be possible without the funding award and we look forward to working with both groups over the next 12 months.”
Ewan Aiken, said: “Every student from Lifestart and Workstart courses from all three campuses are invited to attend. These small sessions are excellent for the ASN students as this allows them to have time in College that is not based in classrooms and around work, but instead time spent liaising with their classmates, and even students who they have not had the chance to meet from different campuses.
“The Youth Hub was very successful previously when it had been run, with high attendances and many of the Workstart students thoroughly enjoyed their time there. We are hoping that some of the previous attendees who are completing their second year return.”
David Gentles, added: “We are thrilled to have received funding again for the project, the Youth Hub has been a great success over the past three years, and we have continued to evolve and develop to meet the changing needs of our diverse student group. It has become a hub for social interaction, with a mix of current student from across the curriculum, including supported programmes and mainstream students with additional support needs, coming together to share their experiences and make friends.”
“The funding will allow us to continue to evolve and develop, investing in equipment and materials which meet the student needs and will make the project sustainable moving forward.”
Anyone needing more information on the Youth Hub should contact
david.gentles@forthvalley.ac.uk
