One Step Borders

One Step Borders At One Step Borders we work with teenagers and young adults in the Scottish Borders, aged 16 to 25. One Step Borders C.I.C.

Admitting you are struggling does not mean you are mentally ill. Mental health and emotional wellbeing is all about how we cope with what life throws at us. It concerns the way we feel about ourselves, conduct relationships, handle stress or deal with loss. One Step Borders works with young people and families in the Scottish Borders to:
support young people who are experiencing emotional or menta

l health pressures and those who are caring for someone with such challenges
support young people in transition – from primary to secondary school, from homelessness to sheltered accommodation, from sheltered accommodation to independent living
help schools equip young people with the tools required to support a healthy wellbeing, positive choices and an inclusive culture. promote understanding of mental health and wellbeing
promote peer support and social networks for young people experiencing mental health difficulties. All our experienced trainers have passed Enhanced Disclosure Scotland checks and are fully insured. Each member of the One Stop Borders team as lived experience of emotional and mental health difficulties, as well as experience in working towards individual recovery. is a not for profit community interest company – also known as a social enterprise.

For more than two years, One Step Borders has been supporting young people at the Newton campus through a regular wellbe...
12/06/2026

For more than two years, One Step Borders has been supporting young people at the Newton campus through a regular wellbeing hub designed to provide a safe, welcoming, and supportive space within college.

The hub offers young people a quiet place to go, support with anxiety and social interaction, opportunities to build relationships, and access to one-to-one support when needed.

By working closely with college staff, support approaches and learning tools have been adapted to better meet individual needs, helping young people feel more comfortable, engaged, and supported throughout their college experience.

A dedicated quiet room has also been developed, providing a private space where young people can access support for anxiety, stress, personal challenges, and their overall mental wellbeing.

Creating environments where young people feel heard, understood, and supported can make a meaningful difference to their confidence, wellbeing, and ability to thrive.

When young people experience anxiety or depression, it can feel overwhelming — but the evidence tells a more hopeful sto...
11/06/2026

When young people experience anxiety or depression, it can feel overwhelming — but the evidence tells a more hopeful story.

Research shows that around half of young people recover from anxiety or depression within a year, and many do not go on to experience long-term mental health difficulties. Rather than following a fixed or lifelong path, mental health challenges in adolescence are often episodic, with periods of distress followed by recovery and renewed wellbeing.

This doesn't mean struggles aren't real, or that support isn't important. Many young people benefit significantly from treatment, with routine mental health services reporting reliable improvement for around 40–50% of those receiving care.

Mental health difficulties can be serious, but they are often changeable. Recovery is common, improvement is possible, and a difficult period today does not necessarily predict the future.

Behind every conversation, safe space and moment of encouragement is the impact of our volunteers.At Borders College, vo...
06/06/2026

Behind every conversation, safe space and moment of encouragement is the impact of our volunteers.

At Borders College, volunteer support helps students feel connected, build confidence and access support when they need it most.

These everyday interactions can make a real difference to wellbeing, resilience and success in education.

This Volunteers' Week, we're celebrating the incredible contribution our volunteers make to young people's lives across the Scottish Borders.

This Volunteer Week, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our incredible volunteers.Your time, compassion, and...
05/06/2026

This Volunteer Week, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our incredible volunteers.

Your time, compassion, and dedication make a real difference to the people we support every day.

Whether you’re offering a listening ear, sharing your skills, or simply being there when someone needs support, you help make mental health journeys feel less lonely and more hopeful.

Your commitment helps create a welcoming, supportive community where young people can access the encouragement and understanding they need.

Thank you for everything you do. We couldn’t do it without you. 🧡

Over the past year, One Step Borders has continued to provide vital support for young people aged 16–25 across the Scott...
29/05/2026

Over the past year, One Step Borders has continued to provide vital support for young people aged 16–25 across the Scottish Borders.

Here are some of our stats:

• 4,689 total support sessions
• 618 young people supported 1:1
• 400+ supported through group sessions
• 65 trauma recovery sessions delivered
• 200+ virtual support sessions
• 21,333 miles travelled to support young people

Key developments included:
• Increased capacity through 12 trainee therapists
• Continued trauma recovery using the REWIND technique
• Rolling volunteer intake supporting 1:1 and group work
• Our 1:1 model remaining central to our work — flexible, needs-led, and relationship-based
• Ongoing partnerships with Borders College, Social Work, NHS CAMHS, Housing Services, Employment Teams, LGBT Youth Scotland, and community funding partners

We remain committed to providing compassionate, tailored support for young people across the Scottish Borders — empowering confidence, wellbeing, and brighter futures.

Therapy is preventative — not just something to turn to in a crisis.Many people wait until stress, burnout, anxiety, or ...
28/05/2026

Therapy is preventative — not just something to turn to in a crisis.

Many people wait until stress, burnout, anxiety, or overwhelm become too much before seeking support. But therapy can also help you maintain your mental wellbeing before things reach breaking point.

This might include:

• managing stress early
• improving relationships and communication
• building confidence and self-awareness
• setting healthy boundaries
• navigating life changes
• developing healthier coping strategies
• understanding patterns and emotions
• creating balance and resilience

Visit our website for mental health support, advice, and resources.

25/05/2026

Sometimes the words we say don’t reflect what we’re actually feeling.

“I’m busy.”
“I can’t come.”
“I’m fine.”

For a lot of people, those words can mean:
“I’ve isolated myself.”
“I feel anxious.”
“I need help.”

It’s not always easy to open up when you’re struggling, especially with the people closest to you. But the people who care about you would rather know the truth than watch you carry it alone.

You don’t have to pretend you’re okay if you’re not.

Visit our website for advice, tools, and support to better understand what you might be going through.

Ever typed out a message asking for help… then deleted it?There’s a reason that happens. When we’re stressed, anxious, o...
22/05/2026

Ever typed out a message asking for help… then deleted it?

There’s a reason that happens. When we’re stressed, anxious, or low, reaching out can feel risky — like we might be judged, misunderstood, or like we’re being a burden. So we overthink it, edit it, and end up staying silent.

If this feels familiar, you’re not alone.

The truth is though… one message can be the first step towards getting support.

Reach out to One Step Borders today — we’re here to listen and help you find the right support and tools for you.

Burnout isn’t just “being stressed” or needing a week off.It can affect your mind, body, emotions, and ability to cope d...
21/05/2026

Burnout isn’t just “being stressed” or needing a week off.

It can affect your mind, body, emotions, and ability to cope day to day — often gradually, until exhaustion starts to feel normal.

You might notice:

• Feeling mentally slowed down or constantly drained
• Struggling to focus, think clearly, or make decisions
• Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected
• Persistent tiredness, even after rest
• Low motivation or heaviness in the body
• Everyday tasks feeling harder than they used to

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.

At OneStep Borders we offer one-to-one support, group work, and therapy with trained mental health practitioners for burnout, stress, and emotional exhaustion.

Our approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and tailored to you.

If this resonates with you, support is available.

We’re Hiring!One Step Borders is looking for a Youth Mental Health Practitioner to join our team, supporting young peopl...
24/04/2026

We’re Hiring!

One Step Borders is looking for a Youth Mental Health Practitioner to join our team, supporting young people aged 16–25 across the Scottish Borders.

🗓 Start date: Beginning of July
📍 Location: Community-based across the Scottish Borders
⏰ Hours: 16 hours per week
💷 Pay: £17 per hour
📄 Contract: Fixed term (with potential to extend)

This role focuses on early intervention, outreach, and relationship-based support. You’ll work one-to-one with young people, helping them navigate challenges, build resilience, and access new opportunities.
We’re looking for someone who can:

✔ Build strong, professional relationships
✔ Work independently in community settings
✔ Have open, honest conversations within clear safeguarding boundaries
✔ Take a calm, person-centred approach
You’ll also support outreach activities, group work, and help develop volunteers within the service.

Experience in counselling, psychotherapy, youth work, or a related field is helpful but not essential.

🚗 A driving licence and access to a car is required.
📩 If you’re interested email: [email protected] to request an application form.

We’d love to hear from you!

Address

Selkirk
SELKIRK,TD75DZ

Telephone

+443003110371

Website

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