Martin Whitfield MSP has taken his “transformative” proposed Member’s Bill, which would ensure every council provides youth work services, to the Scottish Borders.

The Youth Work Scotland Bill seeks to establish a robust legal framework ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to consistent and high-quality youth work opportunities.

Martin Whitfield brought his Bill to the Scottish Borders by visiting the youth organisation YouthBorders in Newton St Boswells.

YouthBorders is a network of 40+ voluntary youth organisations in the Scottish Borders, supporting nearly 5,000 young people aged 8–25. It provides networking, training, and resources for nearly 700 volunteers and staff while representing youth work at regional and national levels.

YouthBorders also collaborates with partners such as the Scottish Borders Children and Young People’s Leadership Group and the Community Learning and Development Strategic Partnership to strengthen youth work provision.

Commenting, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“Visiting YouthBorders has highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities for young people in the Scottish Borders.

‘’In rural areas like this, access to youth work can be a lifeline—providing vital support, tackling isolation, and helping young people develop the skills and confidence they need for the future.

‘’This transformative Bill would ensure that no matter where a young person grows up, they have access to high-quality youth work.

‘’For the Borders, that means stronger communities, more opportunities, and a future where every young person can thrive.

‘’By creating a legal obligation for local authorities to provide universal and targeted youth work services, this Bill would ensure no young person is excluded from the opportunities they need to succeed.”

Supporting the proposed Bill, Chief Officer of YouthBorders David Calver said:

“We are delighted to welcome Martin Whitfield MSP to YouthBorders to hear more about the draft Youthwork Bill.

‘’YouthBorders represent 50 different third sector youth organisations across the Scottish Borders, and with the upcoming release of our UNCRC Feature Documentary to raise awareness of children’s rights and the importance youth voice, there is no better time to get behind this crucial Youth Work Bill. 

‘’YouthBorders and it’s members fully support the Bill and the impact this will have in ensuring that the Youth Sector is embedded within all areas of partnership and local authority planning.

‘’The Bill recognises and champions the vital role Youth services play in communities, and their contribution to a more egalitarian and fully inclusive society. 

‘’The impact of this will be huge for young people across the Scottish Borders and YouthBorders will continue to use its voice to shout loudly, alongside our members and partners in support of the Bill.”