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Creating Spaces Where Young People Thrive
Cheviot Youth is an independent charity rooted in the Scottish Borders, creating safe, welcoming spaces for young people aged 8–25.
For over 15 years we’ve supported children, teenagers and young adults through the ups and downs of growing up. What began as a small, community-led youth project has become a trusted, award-winning charity with hubs in Kelso, Hawick and beyond.
We combine open-access youth work with specialist psychological services. This means we can offer everything from a safe drop-in space to professional counselling, depending on what young people and their families need.
We exist to reduce inequalities, fill the gaps left by statutory services, and make sure every young person has the chance to feel safe, supported and able to thrive.
But we don’t just deliver services — we’re reshaping how rural communities support young people. From safe youth spaces to specialist psychological input, our approach shifts support upstream: away from crisis response and towards early, relational, youth-led help embedded in everyday life.
Our newest Rural Wellbeing Hub, based at Hawick, builds on this model — extending access to families in some of the Borders’ most disadvantaged and rural communities. And our youth work hubs don’t just give young people something to do — they change the way communities see and value young people’s voices.
Our vision is simple: every young person in the Scottish Borders deserves a safe place to belong, support they can trust, and opportunities to thrive.
Safe
Every young person deserves a place where they belong
Supportive
We meet young people where they are, without judgement.
Inclusive
Trauma-informed, neuro-affirming and welcoming to all.
Trusted
Rooted in the community, guided by evidence and accountability.
What We Stand For
Meet the People Behind Cheviot Youth
Cheviot Youth is guided by a dedicated board of trustees and a small leadership team. Together, they ensure our charity remains safe, accountable and focused on young people.
Our Trustees
Cheviot Youth is governed by a dedicated board of trustees who bring expertise in education, health, governance and finance. They ensure we remain accountable, sustainable and focused on our mission.
Owen Adams
Chair, Board of Trustees
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Lynne Taylor
Secretary, Board of Trustee
Malcolm McKnight
Vice-Chair, Board of Trustees
Peter Krug
Treasurer, Board of Trustees
Our Managers
Our day-to-day work is led by two managers who oversee Cheviot Youth’s core services. Together, they ensure our youth work and psychological support are safe, inclusive and responsive to the needs of young people across the Borders.
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Heather McFadzean – Youth Work Manager
Heather oversees all youth work programmes, from drop-ins to targeted groups. With extensive experience in community learning and development, education, and working with young people, she ensures our youth spaces are safe, welcoming and empowering.
Ross Irvine – Head of Psychological Services
Ross leads Cheviot Youth’s counselling and psychotherapeutic services, overseeing Insight Youth, as well as specialist projects, and emotional wellbeing services such as Thrive Youth. He brings clinical expertise, service leadership and a commitment to making psychological support accessible.
Our Wider Team
Volunteers and trainee counsellors are at the heart of Cheviot Youth. Each year, they contribute hundreds of hours to drop-ins, groups and one-to-one support — extending our reach and making sure more young people get the help they need.
Alongside them, a committed wider staff team bring expertise in youth work, administration and community engagement. Their dedication ensures Cheviot Youth runs smoothly every week and that young people and families receive consistent, high-quality support.
Making a Difference Together
Every year, Cheviot Youth reaches hundreds of young people and families across the Scottish Borders. From safe youth spaces to professional counselling, our impact is measured not only in numbers but in the changes young people and parents see in their lives.
Every year, Cheviot Youth reaches hundreds of young people and families across the Scottish Borders. From safe youth spaces in the Cheviot locality to professional counselling and therapy across the region, our impact is measured not only in numbers but in the changes young people and parents see in their lives.
"I cope better with situations where conflict may arise and am able to put myself and my children’s needs and best interests at the centre of these situations rather than making things easier for others."
Insight Youth Client
Age 24
Working Together
We believe young people are best supported when organisations work side by side. That’s why Cheviot Youth collaborates with schools, Community Learning & Development (CLD), health and social care, and local third-sector partners. Together we make sure no young person falls through the gaps.
Be Part of the Story
Cheviot Youth is only possible thanks to the generosity of funders, partners, volunteers and individuals. Every hour given and every pound invested helps us reach more young people and families across the Borders.