Young people with additional support needs across Scotland are gaining confidence, finding their voice and building brighter futures thanks to a pioneering transitions support programme, according to a new evaluation published today.
The Time to Talk Next Steps Scotland (TtTNS) programme, funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi), supported more than 100 young people aged 14–25, alongside 50 parents/carers and 60 practitioners in its first full year between March 2025 to March 2026.
Crucially, the programme has now secured funding for a further year (2026/27) and is open for requests for support from young people, families, parents and carers, schools and youth organisations across Scotland.
From uncertainty to confidence and hope
Many young people entered the programme feeling anxious and unsure about their future. Through regular one-to-one conversations, they began to build confidence, explore their strengths and take practical steps forward.
One young person said:
“My weekly meetings built up my confidence… and made me realise that with the right adjustments, I am fully capable of employment and independence… I’m truly excited for the next steps in my life.”
Another example from the report highlights a young person who had previously struggled to engage:
“They now proudly call it ‘my meeting’. Mum says she’s never seen them engage like this before.”
Real improvements in wellbeing and pathways
The evaluation shows clear progress for young people:
- Average wellbeing scores increased during support (24.8 to 26.2).
- Young people developed greater confidence, improved wellbeing and stronger self-belief.
- Many gained clearer ideas about education, employment and next steps.
For some, this led to real-world outcomes such as work placements, college applications and renewed engagement with education and community life.
Families feel more supported
Families also reported feeling more confident and less alone navigating complex systems.
One parent said:
“Before this we didn’t know where to start… having someone help us understand the options made a huge difference.”
Overall, families experienced reduced anxiety and increased confidence in supporting their young person’s future.
Now open for referrals across Scotland
With continued Scottish Government funding confirmed, the programme is now expanding its reach.
Referrals are welcomed from:
- Young people aged 14–25 with additional support needs
- Their parents, carers and families
- Schools, colleges and youth organisations for ‘Planning Live’ group sessions
Children, Young People and The Promise Minister, Siobhian Brown said:
“I’m pleased to see the positive impact Time to Talk Next Steps is having on young disabled people, their parents and carers, and practitioners.
“The Scottish Government provided £189,900 for the project last year to support its work building confidence and helping to reduce anxiety for young disabled people during the transition to adulthood.
“This project reinforces the priorities set out in our National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy, which aims to ensure young disabled people are empowered to set their own path to success as they navigate this next phase in their lives.”
Alice McColl, Time to Talk Next Steps Programme Lead at NDTi, said:
“We are delighted that the Scottish Government has continued its investment in Time to Talk Next Steps Scotland for 2026/27. This funding is a fantastic endorsement of our relational support to young people with additional support needs and their family/carers enabling them to move from uncertainty to hope, confidence and ideas about their future.
“We look forward to building on this success by expanding our reach and introducing new peer groups to ensure even more families across Scotland feel empowered during these critical transitions.”
Looking ahead
The next phase will expand access, introduce peer support groups and strengthen earlier support so more young people can benefit before reaching key transition points.
The full evaluation report and summary are available now:
