OPEN is a project that trains young people (16-25) to become peer educators, to deliver workshops and training to other young people across Shetland. The issue-based training focus on Drugs and Alcohol use, Sexual Health, and Mental Health. We believe in open minded information - not telling people what to do. We will give you the training and support you need so that you can volunteer as part of the OPEN team to design and deliver workshops and activities to other young people. If you're interested in being a part of the OPEN Project please get in touch!

We are looking for young people aged 16-25, who are care experienced and/or at risk of exclusion to become peer mentors. The Project will offer young people aged 16-21 a chance to build relationships with volunteer peer mentors aged 16-25. This will be achieved by using group mentoring ratios such as 2:2, 1:1, 2:1 etc. We are recruiting 6 to 8 young adults that want to commit one year to develop their personal skills, knowledge and understanding to become effective peer mentors. Young adults will be able to apply directly to the Project to become a peer mentor, completing the Mentor Application Form. You will need to be willing to complete training and believe that there is a value in peer mentoring. OPEN are looking for those that are willing to share their life experiences and be a positive influence in supporting their mentees so they can make positive life choices and learn from their peer mentoring relationship.

Da Cafe is an initiative through the OPEN project. The purpose of Da Cafe is to provide a safe space for young people aged 14-25 where they can get a hot drink and slice of cake. This initiative is run by lead volunteers who run the space. There is also a group of volunteer young people who form a Youth Committee that decide on the vision and direction of the Da Cafe. This new initiative will look to create a safe space for young people (14-25) to chill with friends and peers. Out Youth Committee and lead volunteers are trained and supported through each event. they will gain new skills and improve their own personal development.

The OPEN Project runs a peer education project, peer mentoring project and a youth cafe project and currently falls under Voluntary Action Shetland. We are going to be exploring turning OPEN into an independent, youth-led charity. To achieve this we are seeking Board Members aged 16-29 to direct and oversee our organisation going forward as an independent charity. Board members will receive training opportunities to develop their skills in governance, leadership and decision making.