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...
Glyn Harris – Project Coordinator
Our TeamGlyn recently joined PYT as Project Coordinator, having worked for several years with another charity, Rookie Rockstars, to boost confidence and self-esteem in young people across the country. In his role with PYT, Glyn supports our...
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...
Helen Garrison – Trustee
Our TeamHelen got involved with PYT shortly after moving to Peebles in 2013 as a way to get to know her local community better, and she has been involved with the charity ever since, mainly as a mentor. Her career has centred around project...
Emma Swanston – Secretary
Our TeamBefore working for local company Evolution BPS as a Customer Service Coordinator, Emma was a nursery practitioner at a local nursery working with children aged 2-3. Emma has volunteered with Girlguiding from a young age and now runs...
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 – Trustee
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...
Grace Mitchell – Volunteer Christmas Hamper Co-ordinator
Our TeamGrace joined PYT in October 2013 and has responsibility for co-ordinating the Christmas Hamper food collection. She has extensive administrative and project management experience. As one of a large local family, Grace is surrounded by...