TWO Borders charities and one volunteer have been nominated in a national awards ceremony for their work with young people in the region.

BANG (Borders Summer Camp, TD1 Youth Hub, and TD1 volunteer, David Shields, are up for a National Youth Work Awards.

TD1 are in with the chance of winning an award for their Young Men’s Project, which aims to reduce risk-taking behaviour in young men in Galashiels. So far 25 men have received one-to-one support from the charity, which has be recorded to have encouraged those helped to reduce their reliance on various substances, their involvement in crime, and increase in school attendance.

Chief Officer of Youth Borders, Susan Hunter said: “YouthBorders were thrilled to learn that TD1 Youth Hub in Galashiels is a finalist in the National Youth Work Awards. Their Young Men’s Project is a worthy finalist, the project puts prevention and early intervention in to practice.

"Through good use of data, local insight and trusted young people/youth worker relationships, positive outcomes are being achieved.”

As well as being recognised for their efforts as an organisation, TD1's David Shields is also being celebrated at the awards with a nomination for his work with young people in the Borders and his successful career as a volunteer.

David is currently a youth development coordinator with TD1, whilst also being a development officer for LGBT Youth Scotland.

Through his contributions with TD1, David formed a Young Parents Group to support young parents facing stigma and helps remove barriers for them.

Youth Borders chief officer Susan Hunter said: “David’s leadership and contribution is without doubt making the Scottish Borders a more inclusive place for young people from a range of backgrounds.”

Kaymarie Hughes, Scottish Borders Council added: “In my roles both professionally and voluntary, I constantly come into contact with people whom David has left a lasting impression on.

"Meeting education staff who have attended one of his talks on LGBT Issues, who have raved about this brilliant young man, whom was so engaging, or talking to young people who are inspired by their new LGBT group in school."

BANG Summer Camp, who operate a five-week-long camp for children and young people with additional needs, offer a safe environment for the young people to develop through inclusive activities such as arts and crafts, music, and dance, all of which can be enjoyed with their carers and/or families.

Chief Officer, Susan Hunter said: “BANG Summer Camp is the result of the hard work and dedication of the volunteers of Borders Additional Needs Group (BANG) and their collaboration with Live Borders; the camp for ASN young people, their siblings and their parent/carers was a fun filled programme of creative art activities, sport, wellbeing workshops and respite for parents.

"The activities were inclusive and enabled young people to express themselves freely through paint, music, movement, and sound.

"What BANG Summer Camp achieved is significant and leads the way in the development of inclusive youth work in the Scottish Borders.

"We are very proud of the achievements of BANG and their tireless fundraising, advocacy, and ambition for ASN young people and their families in our area. ”

The National Youth Awards were created to celebrate the role 70,000 youth workers have in young people's lives.

The Award dinner will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow on Wednesday, March 12, and will be hosted by actress Jane McCarry and Deputy First Minister, John Swinney.

For more information on the work that Youth Link does, visit www.youthlinkscotland.org/