TEENS+, the transitional education project for young adults with complex and severe communication needs operated by the Edinburgh-based non-profit Capella, is proud to announce plans to open a second, new centre in Musselburgh in September 2023.
The new Teens+ centre, with the capacity to support an additional 15 students, will provide tailored support five days a week to students aged 17+ who are typically excluded from accessing further education due to their learning needs, enabling them to develop essential life skills and preparing them for their future.
The announcement follows the enormous success of the charity’s first Teens+ centre in East Lothian, which opened in September 2022. The newest centre will create 18 new Living Wage jobs in the community when it opens in September 2023. This expansion marks Capella’s fourth Teens+ centre, representing substantial growth for the charity, increasing its workforce by almost 15%, allowing the organisation’s capacity to grow to 98 students; two years ahead of its initial growth target of 100 students by 2025.
Simon Pearce-Madge, Head of Teens+ said:
“We firmly believe that everyone has the right to further education, regardless of need. There is a considerable gap in opportunities for young people with additional support needs to engage in society, post-school. This new centre is a testament to Teens+ dedication to closing this gap by providing high-quality transitional education opportunities and therapeutic support to members of our community that are so often under-supported.”
Capella, the non-profit organisation behind Teens+ was awarded the Employer of the Year Award at the prestigious Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2023. The award recognises the work done by Capella to become a supportive, inclusive, and fun workplace, enabling the charity to attract and retain talented and motivated staff amid a national social care recruitment crisis.
In April, Capella became the focus of national news for its commitment to the well-being of its employees, going above and beyond to support its staff during the ongoing cost of living crisis by providing free meals to its 125 staff members across its centres. The free breakfast and lunch initiative continues at Teens+, reducing the burden of ever-increasing costs for staff members and helping to create a sense of community and support within the organisation.
Recruitment is now underway for the new Teens+ centre. Those interested can visit teensplus.org.uk to view the available roles.
