Education pathway charity announces new community centre plans for Musselburgh

A new community hub will open in Musselburgh this September, providing a space for young adults with additional support needs to gain independence, build life skills, and connect with their local community.

Teens+ is an Edinburgh-based education project for young people with learning disabilities and complex communication needs as they transition into adulthood. It offers services such as individualised learning programmes, support with daily living skills, and community work placements. The charity will deliver this service as part of its ‘Next Steps’ programme, based at the Fisherrow Community Centre in Musselburgh.

Next Steps was launched in 2023 to meet the growing demand for greater independence amongst young people in Edinburgh with additional support needs. Young people at Teens+ expressed a desire for more than just traditional day services and were looking for real opportunities to grow, achieve personal goals, and take part in activities they’re often excluded from because of limited options in standard care services. Next Steps was set up to offer more flexible, practical, and empowering routes forward for students across the Lothians. Since launching, Next Steps has supported over 150 young people with additional support needs.

The new Next Steps Hub will open Monday 15^th September 2025, offering a 1:3 staff-to-trainee ratio to allow tailored support for individual needs. The service will run Monday to Thursday from 9.00am to 4.30pm and Friday from 9.00am to 2.00pm.

The service will support 10 young people in its first year, growing to a capacity of 30 by 2027. It will also create six local jobs paying Living Wage and above.

“No matter the goal, big or small, Next Steps supports young people in engaging in society in ways that are meaningful to them…

“Next Steps creates opportunities for social inclusion and provides young people with access to new skills and training opportunities that align with their interests and goals in life. This Next Steps Hub gives them space to grow, connect, and thrive. Whether it’s writing a CV and applying for a job or learning to budget, shop and cook, we’re helping young people take real steps towards independence.”

Caitlin Nightingale, Next Steps Manager