About PYT
What We Do
Peeblesshire Youth Trust (PYT) supports 10-14 year olds across Tweeddale to build their confidence and self-esteem and to improve emotional wellbeing. Our vision is to nurture, support, engage and encourage these young people to feel valued and reach their aspirations. Our project began in 2009 when a local father asked for help to guide his son through the difficult transition years from primary to secondary. It was felt that a mentor figure in his life would be a perfect way to do this. It was soon realised that this boy couldn’t be the only young person requiring such support, and so PYT was born!
PYT Mission Statement
Peeblesshire Youth Trust will empower our community by providing a facility for support to young people and their families. We will develop confidence and resilience in our community by promoting participation and inclusion. At all times we will be helpful, approachable and non-judgemental.
Volunteers Required
“We are always looking for enthusiastic adults from all walks of life who have a keen interest in helping children and families in their own community. ”
We need people to help us with:
Achieve Your Potential Programme for Primary 6’s
1:1 mentoring for young people between the ages of 10-14
Christmas Hamper deliveries
Sharing a skill/hobby
S6 Peer Mentors at Peebles High School for S1’s
You can download a volunteer application form
Our Team
Sarah Keen – Programme Manager
Our TeamSarah grew up in Peebles and has an extensive knowledge of the local community. She is a mother of four, with experience of working with, and for the benefit of, young people. Sarah aims to lead Peeblesshire Youth Trust to a long-term...
Katie Buckingham – Programme Co-ordinator
Our TeamKatie supports our mentors and mentees throughout the year as well as delivering our Achieve Your Potential courses. Katie is the main contact for local primary schools and families of young people supported by PYT....
Rachel Beatton – Chair
Our TeamRachel moved to Peebles in 2010 and looked to become actively involved in the community. Her husband, Paul, became a mentor with PYT and with small children at home, Rachel volunteered to support with some office tasks. She quickly...
Anne Scott – Trustee
Our TeamAnne is a retired nurse with many years of experience working with children as a School Nurse in Tweeddale then as a Community Nurse Manager before working for SBC setting up Early Years Centres in four towns across the Borders. She...
Mark Blaik – Joint Secretary
Our TeamMark joined the Board as Joint Secretary with Ross in 2018. Having worked for Girlguiding Scotland at Netherurd House, he worked with young people on a daily basis. Mark recently moved into a role as Business Development Manager for...
Ross Forrest – Joint Secretary
Our TeamRoss is currently a solicitor in Edinburgh, and joined PYT to act as Joint Secretary with Mark in 2018. Born and raised in Peebles, Ross still lives in the town. He was looking for opportunities to volunteer and help a local project....
Martin Brown – Treasurer
Our TeamAfter 38 years with Bank of Scotland (22 of those in England), Martin returned to his home town to “retire”. With previous Board experience in the social care sector, Martin was pleased to accept the post of PYT Treasurer...
John O’Donnell – Vice Chair
Our TeamJohn served the majority of his career in the banking industry and spent 27 years with the Scottish private bank, Adam and Co plc. He held various positions and served on the Board between 2003 and 2013. Having retired from the bank in...
Eric Ward MBE JP – Trustee
Our TeamEric is a Chartered Marketeer involved in many aspects of business and charitable organisations. Having been involved on the Youth Bench as a Magistrate, and with the Air League where he developed a programme to divert young people...
Campbell Wilson – Trustee
Our TeamAs Rector of Peebles High School, PYT is delighted to have Campbell as a member of our Board of Trustees, where he brings a wealth of knowledge of experience of working with and supporting young people. He also ensures close links are...