Forge runs because people in the Borders care about each other's mental health and are willing to put real time, skills, and resources into doing something about it. Every hour of volunteer time and every pound donated has a direct, traceable impact on the young adults who walk through our doors.
Whether you are a young person who wants to become a peer facilitator, a local employer looking to support meaningful community work, or someone who simply wants to make a financial contribution that stays in the Borders and goes directly to young people, there is a genuine and valued place for you in what we do. We are a small organisation — every hour of volunteer time and every pound donated has a direct, traceable impact on the young adults who walk through our doors.
If you are aged 18 to 30 and have your own experience of mental health challenges, our Forge Facilitator Training could be the most rewarding thing you do this year — and it is entirely free. We also welcome volunteers in administration, communications, and event support, for which no lived experience is required.
Tell us you're interestedAs a SCIO, Forge relies on charitable donations and grants to keep every workshop free and genuinely accessible. A one-off or regular monthly donation — however modest — directly funds venue hire, workshop materials, and peer facilitator travel expenses for young people who couldn't otherwise participate in our training.
Donate to ForgeLocal employers, businesses, and organisations can partner with Forge through workplace fundraising, in-kind support, or by hosting a Forge wellbeing session for their own young employees or members. We are always keen to build lasting relationships with Borders organisations that share our commitment to young people's mental health.
Explore partnershipThe Forge Facilitator Training is a thirty-hour, eight-week programme in Galashiels. It is fully funded — there is no cost to you at all. You will learn facilitation skills, mental health first aid, safeguarding, and personal self-care. You will finish with a recognised qualification and join a supported team of peer facilitators.
You do not need formal qualifications, a health background, or any particular confidence at the start. What you do need is your own lived experience of mental health challenges and a willingness to use it honestly. We have trained fourteen facilitators since 2020; several have gone on to paid roles in health and social care, and one is now studying nursing at Heriot-Watt.
Applications are accepted twice a year. If you are interested, get in touch and we will let you know when the next cohort opens.
Apply for training
We publish our outcomes annually. Every pound donated to Forge goes to one of three things: venue hire for workshops and drop-ins, workshop materials, or peer facilitator travel expenses for young adults who couldn't otherwise take part in our training programme. Nothing is lost to overheads or administration.
young people reached since 2020
peer facilitators trained to date
went on to access further support they hadn't known how to reach
However you want to support Forge — a few hours of time, a monthly donation, or a business partnership — we would love to hear from you. Get in touch and we will find the best fit together.
