An afternoon in the life of Cyrenians Young Adult Service in Falkirk

Based in Arnotdale House in Dollar Park and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, the YAS project supports young people aged between 16 and 24 who are experiencing long term social isolation for a variety of reasons.

Launched by Cyrenians in 2023, the ten week programme, led by Young Adult Service youth outreach worker Julie Stewart, creates a safe space for young adults to take part in a number of social and community-supporting activities, with the aim of helping establish a stable foundation in life.

This week’s exercise, creating wax melts to be sold at the Cyrenians spring fete on May 23, encouraged group collaboration, team work, and communication skills.

One member said: “I wouldn’t have imagined that when I first started in YAS I would be making wax melts and have the confidence to then sell them at the spring fete.

“The thought of speaking to all those people on the day is quite scary but I’m looking forward to it.”

Some of the other group activities include day trips, events and pride in civic duty activities, such as river litter picking, simply being outside and walking can be an uplifting experience for the group.

YAS volunteer Echo Holmes said: “The group means so much to people who attend, it gives them the chance to take part in activities they might never have experienced.

“I’m currently doing an HNC at Forth Valley College, and when I finish, I want to come back and continue working with Cyrenians at YAS.”

In addition to work-life skill development, the service also provides the opportunity to learn things other people might take for granted,

One group member explained: “I can’t begin to explain the ways in which YAS has helped me.

“Before I started this group, I had never cooked pasta, never took part in team tasks, growing up I didn’t have a group of friends to talk to, this gave me that and also taught me new skills.”

Members can go at their own pace, interacting by as much or as little as they choose, YAS also offers one-to-one individual support.

Julie said: “It’s amazing to see each group come on leaps and bounds, whether it’s from the hard work they put in, or how they support each other during tasks.

“Just last week a younger member had quite a bit of difficulty communicating, and this group were so patient and understanding of that fact, always giving them time to respond.”

Young people attend YAS, mostly after a professional referral such as via the job centre, support staff, or other professionals.

An older, almost mentorlike member of the group, Ricky, is now in college and working toward a qualification in musical production.

He said of YAS: “Having people who believe in you means so much, from where I was last year before I started the course, to now being at college, creating art and aiming to make music, so much of that I put down to coming here.”

For more information on what support Cyrenians Young Adult Service provides the local community visit the website.