Core Charity Spotlight: Working Rite

This year, Working Rite became one of KPE4's Core Charities, joining our network of organisations supporting young people in and around Pilton and Muirhouse.

At the heart of its approach is a simple three-stage model: Choices, Chances and Connections.

The journey begins with Choices, which works with S4 pupils to help them think about life after school. Through small group sessions, one-to-one support and career events, young people are encouraged to explore their interests, build confidence and develop their understanding of the opportunities available to them, particularly those they may not previously have considered or been aware of.

From there, Chances helps young people aged 16 and over move into work placements, volunteering and vocational training. Utilising the charity's employer connections and relationships, the programme aims to provide practical experience for up to four months while helping young people develop the skills and confidence needed for employment.

The final stage is Connections. Every young person is offered up to 12 months of mentoring, providing guidance and encouragement as they move into work, training or further education.

Working Rite has recently piloted this approach with fellow KPE4 Core Charity, Spartans Community Foundation. Young people referred through Spartans were supported into qualifications, work placements and employment, with mentoring continuing throughout the process. As a result, one young person secured part-time employment following a work placement, while another has remained in employment and recently completed the Edinburgh Half Marathon - a personal goal they had set at the beginning of the programme.

Working Rite's partnership with Spartans Community Foundation shows the value of collaboration between KPE4 Core Charities. They now aim to offer the choices and chances programme to 20 more local young people via Craigroyston High School and other local community groups, bringing further opportunities for young people to build positive futures.