LinkLiving’s Step On project received its award from Kevin Stewart, minister for local government and housing.

The project stimulates and enhances personal development and provides practical employability support for those most vulnerable. Through group activities and volunteering opportunities, Step On helps young people improve their confidence and learn new skills such as team working, leadership and communication. It also supports participants to identify their goals and aspirations, such as training, further education or a potential career path.

Over the past year, Step On has supported over 107 young people into the employability pipeline, with 34 moving into employment or training, 58 registering as volunteers and the remainder moving onto stage three employability training.

The SURF Awards recognise and reward best practice and innovation in community regeneration, promote and disseminate best practice across Scotland and highlights the role that regeneration projects have in improving the wellbeing of individuals and communities.

Sarah Smith, director of LinkLiving (part of the Link group of social enterprises), said: “I am delighted that our Step On project won the ‘Youth Employability Project of the Year 2017’ at the SURF Awards. It’s a wonderful project that has helped so many young people move onto positive destinations.

“This award is a great way for us to launch our support of the Scottish Government’s Year of Young People campaign. Supporting adults play an important role in helping young people reach their full potential. During the Year of Young People 2018 we will recognise and celebrate the role of those who make a difference to young lives.”