Innov8 Newcastleton Youth Project

Innov8 Newcastleton Youth Project delivers twice weekly drop-in sessions targeting P7+ young people in the Newcastleton area.

Every Tuesday and Friday evening from 5:30pm until 7:30pm providing young people with a safe, non-judgemental space in which they can voluntarily choose to get involved in planned activities, game with friends, chat to trusted adults and socialise with peers.

Providing young people with a space to go we aim to reduce antisocial behaviour and risk taking by providing young people with new opportunities and experiences; removing barriers to participation and supporting local families.

Innov8 Summer Programme 26

Summer Programme 2026

This summer, we delivered a fantastic four-week Summer Programme, providing 11 activities and opportunities for local young people to get involved, try something new and spend time together.

Across the four weeks, we welcomed between 20 and 25 young people each week, with participants ranging from P1 through to 16 years old. The programme offered a wide range of activities designed to appeal to different ages and interests.

Activities included personalised T-shirt making, swimming at Time Capsule, gymnastics, bubble football, two gardening sessions and two baking sessions. We were also delighted to welcome Rachel for an informative and engaging session all about red squirrels.

One of the highlights of the programme was our Awards Day, where 10 young people participated and successfully achieved their Hi5 Award. It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate their achievements and recognise the effort and commitment they had shown.

We also organised two major trips during the programme. Young people enjoyed a trip to Time Capsule for swimming, as well as an exciting adventure at Go Ape in Dalkeith. Both trips provided opportunities for young people to experience something different, challenge themselves and create lasting memories.

The success of the Summer Programme would not have been possible without the generous support of our funders and the wider community.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Dr Guthrie, the Rural Action Fund, Pinesburn Windfarm through Newcastleton Community Council, Cubby for their support with food, Copshaw Clatter, Copshaw Common Riding, Buccleuch Estates Charitable Foundation and the Robertson Trust.

We would also like to thank everyone who supported us through our coffee morning and donation boxes. Every contribution, large or small, has helped us to provide valuable experiences and opportunities for local young people.

Across four weeks, 11 activities and with 20-25 young people engaging each week, the 2026 Summer Programme has been a fantastic success. Most importantly, it has been a chance for young people in our community to have fun, build confidence, develop new skills, and make memories together.

We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved and grateful to everyone who helped make the programme possible.