EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – September 3, 2025 – A community hub promoting independence and social inclusion for young adults with additional support needs will open at Gorgie Farm in the coming weeks, Teens+ has announced.
While the site remains closed to the public, the launch of the Next Steps Hub represents a significant first step in its long-term revival.
“Next Steps helps young people with additional support needs to develop life skills, confidence, and independence,” says Caitlin Nightingale, Next Steps Manager at Teens+. “Opening at Gorgie Community Farm puts our young people in the heart of Edinburgh, creating opportunities to grow, thrive, and pursue passions that lead to greater autonomy and social inclusion.”
As the first tenant of the new charity, Gorgie Community Farm, the Next Steps Hub occupies the site’s former main office building and an adjoining outdoor space.
Teens+ has led major renovations to create a safe, welcoming, and accessible facility, which includes a life skills kitchen tailored to a range of physical and sensory needs. Features such as lowered countertops and stoves for wheelchair users, along with high-contrast surfaces for those with visual impairments, make it a space where everyone can participate.
Participants will be involved in tending the farm’s gardens, growing fruit and vegetables to cook in the kitchen, gaining hands-on experience that deepens their understanding of food and the environment.
Brendan O’Brien, Trustee of Gorgie Community Farm, said,
“Our ambition for Gorgie Community Farm is a sustainable, inclusive, and community-driven facility that enhances the well-being of the community through collaboration, education, and social inclusion. Partnering with Teens+ was a natural fit to bring this vision to life.”
As Gorgie Community Farm embarks on its journey to return as one of Edinburgh’s most cherished landmarks, the site cannot be fully open to the public, but volunteers are welcome to get in touch, as there is plenty to do. Currently, there are no animals on-site.
The news follows Teens+’ announcement of another Next Steps Hub opening at Fisherrow Community Centre in Musselburgh on September 15. Both hubs aim to provide school leavers who do not require one-to-one care with the tools to live more independently, while reducing reliance on paid care services.
“In the face of growing financial pressures on the social care sector, we’re creating flexible, community-based support that helps young people thrive,” added Simon Pearce-Madge, Head of Teens+.
“Next Steps has transformed Lewis’s confidence,” says parent Donna Leitch. “He’s achieved things we never thought possible, including spending his first night away from home on a Duke of Edinburgh expedition.”
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re working towards opening this September. We’ll make sure to keep everyone informed of any updates or changes as things progress.
The Hub will be based at Gorgie Community Farm with clear directions and access details shared before we open to help make arrival as smooth as possible.
The Next Steps Hub has been created to support young people with additional support needs as they move on from school, college, home, or other services. Our aim is to provide a positive and personalised experience that helps build independence, confidence, and real-world skills in a supportive environment.
Young people will benefit from a 1:3 staff-to-trainee ratio, allowing for tailored support that meets their individual needs. We offer accredited learning, practical life skills, wellbeing support, and access to community and work-based opportunities. The environment is calm, inclusive, and shaped by the young people who attend.
The Hub will run Monday to Thursday from 9:00am to 4:30pm, and Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm. We close for two weeks over Christmas and have four in-service days throughout the year. Other than that, the service runs year-round (50 weeks).
Each day will include a mix of structured sessions, social time, skill-building activities, and opportunities for volunteering or community involvement. Every programme is tailored to the interests and goals of the trainee.
The Next Steps Hub will have dedicated staff members. Trainees will receive support from a skilled and enthusiastic team, including some staff who bring a range of experience from across the Teens+ service.
The service will be overseen by the Hub Manager, who will provide overall support and guidance to the team and young people. Caitlin, Next Steps Manager, will oversee the Hub Manager.
Everyone involved is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment that supports everyone to thrive.
Families will be given contact details for key staff, and we welcome regular communication. Whether it’s a quick check-in or a more in-depth conversation, we’re here to support both the young person and their family throughout. Right now, please contact Caitlin with any enquiries.
The service is staffed at a 1:3 ratio, meaning we have enough staff to support one member of staff for every three trainees. However, how support is delivered will vary throughout the day. Young people may work in small groups, in pairs, independently, or take part in whole-hub sessions, with 1:1 time offered where needed. This flexible approach allows us to balance independence, social opportunities, and tailored support based on each person’s needs and goals.
The Next Steps Hub is designed to support longer-term development, so there’s no set end date. We regularly review each young person’s journey to make sure the support continues to meet their needs and helps them move toward greater independence at their own pace.
The service will be registered with the Care Inspectorate who will regulate our service.
Next Steps is a service that people can transition too when they are ready, this can either be from Teens+ or outside of the organisation. Next Steps will still be part of the Teens+ service.
