Community Based Youth Work
Find local youth clubs, groups and activities across West Lothian.
Welcome to our Community-Based Youth Work in West Lothian! From weekly youth clubs and creative projects to targeted groups, there are lots of opportunities for young people to make friends, try new things, learn new skills and have fun.
Young people must live in West Lothian to join our groups. Although our clubs run in different locations, you don't need to attend a particular school or live in a specific postcode. You can choose the group that's right for you!
Before you get started, here's what you need to know:
Under 16? A parent or carer will need to register for you. Aged 16 or over? You can register yourself.
Ready to apply? You'll need to register on our portal and submit an application for your chosen club or group. Creating an account alone doesn't count as applying.
Don't forget to get in touch! After applying, email the relevant club or group contact with your full name and the name of the group you've applied for.
You'll find everything you need below, including our clubs and groups, registration guidance, FAQs and helpful videos.
Watch our short video showing how to register a young person for our community groups and clubs.
Ready to Register?
Register or log in to our online portal to apply for a youth club or group.
Register / Log in to the Portal → (opens new window)
Important Information Before Registration
Who can register?
- Parents or carers must complete registration for young people under 16.
- Young people aged 16 and over can register and manage their own applications independently.
Already Have an Account?
Log in to the portal.
Go to your dashboard and select the young person's name.
Check that their details are accurate and up to date, and update any information if needed.
Select Create Application and complete all required sections and tick boxes for your chosen club or group.
Submit your application.
New to the Portal?
Register for an account and enter your details.
Add the young person's details.
Go to your dashboard and select the young person's name.
Select Create Application and complete all required sections and tick boxes for your chosen club or group.
Submit your application.
Important:
- If you are registering more than one young person, you must complete the relevant steps and submit a separate application for each young person.
- Creating an account is not the same as submitting an application. You must complete and submit an application for each club or group you wish to join / your child to join.
What Happens After You Apply?
1. Email the Club or Group Contact
Once you have submitted your application through the portal, you must email the relevant club or group contact using the contact details provided alongside each club or group listing.
Our system does not automatically notify us when an application is submitted. Your email lets the relevant club or group contact know that an application is waiting to be processed and helps them locate it in the system.
Find your group / club contact here: Find your local youth club or group here
Please include:
The young person's full name.
The name of the club or group they have applied to join.
2. Application Review and Confirmation
The club or group contact will locate your application and arrange for it to be reviewed and processed. They will then let you know the next steps and confirm when registration is complete.
Young people cannot attend a club or group until their registration has been processed and confirmed by our team.
Need Help Registering?
Watch our step-by-step guidance video for help creating an account, navigating the portal and submitting an application.
Watch Video Here (opens new window)
Why Do We Need This Information?
The information collected through the portal helps us keep young people safe and provide appropriate support during sessions. This includes emergency contact details, relevant medical information, school details and communication preferences.
Providing accurate and up-to-date information helps our youth workers support young people appropriately, respond to emergencies and communicate with parents and carers when necessary.
At the beginning of each academic year, we ask everyone using our youth work services to log in to Portal.scot, check that their information is up to date and complete a new application.
If you are 16 or over, you can update your own information and create a new application for yourself. For young people under 16, a parent or carer should log in, update their information and create a new application on their behalf.
We've created a short video to show you how to complete the process.
Log in Here (opens new window)
Stay up to date with the latest youth clubs, activities, events and opportunities happening in your local community.
Please feel free to contact our team if you have any questions or queries CLDYouthServices@westlothian.gov.uk (opens new window)
What is Community Based Youth Work?
Community based youth work provides safe and welcoming spaces where young people can meet others, build confidence, develop skills and take part in positive activities within their local community. Youth workers support young people through a range of clubs, groups and projects, helping them achieve their goals, have their voices heard and connect with others.
Does creating an account on Portal.Scot mean I have registered for a club?
No. Creating an account and adding participant details does not complete the application process. You must go to your dashboard, click on young persons name and Create Application, complete all required sections and tick boxes, and submit the application for your chosen club or group.
Why do I need to email the club or group contact after applying?
Our system does not automatically notify us when an application is submitted. Once you have completed your application, you must email the relevant club or group contact to let them know.
Please include the young person's full name and the name of the club or group they have applied to join. This helps the contact locate the application and arrange for it to be processed.
Find contact details here: Find a Local Youth Club or Group
Can my child attend while their application is being processed?
No. Young people cannot attend a club or group until their registration has been processed and confirmed by our team. The club or group contact will let you know the next steps and confirm when registration is complete.
How will I know when the registration is complete?
The relevant club or group contact will review the application and contact you to confirm when registration has been completed. Please wait for this confirmation before attending.
What if I have more than one child to register?
You will need to add each young person to your account and complete a separate application for each child and each club or group they wish to join.
Do I have to attend a club or group in my local area or school?
No. Although our clubs and groups are based in specific locations across West Lothian, you do not have to attend a particular school or live in a specific postcode to access them. As long as you live in West Lothian, you can choose the group that best suits your interests and needs.
Who are the youth clubs and groups for?
We offer a range of clubs, groups and projects for young people across West Lothian. Opportunities are available from primary school age through to young adults, with each group having its own age range. Please refer to our list of groups and clubs.
Find a local group or club here (opens new window)
Are the groups and clubs on all year round ?
Our groups and clubs are term time and most follow the school holiday calendar. Our provisions usually start in September and run until the end of the academic school year.
Do I need to register before attending?
Yes. All young people must be registered before taking part in youth clubs and activities.
Register Here Using This Link (opens new window)
Who needs to complete the registration form?
Parents or carers must complete registration for young people under 16. Young people aged 16 and over can complete their own registration.
I am aged 16 or over. Can I register independently?
Yes. If you are aged 16 or over, you can register for an account and manage your own application independently. Simply register or log in to the online portal, add or check your details, and submit an application for your chosen club or group.
Once you have submitted your application, remember to email the relevant club or group contact with your full name and the name of the group you have applied to join. You must wait for confirmation that your registration has been processed before attending.
What if I need support to complete the registration form?
No worries. A member of staff will be happy to support you with registration. We encourage online registrations where possible, but you can also speak to a youth worker at your local group who can help.
Why do I need to create an account on Portal.scot and keep my information up to date?
To help us keep children and young people safe and ensure we can provide the right support, we need parents and carers to provide up-to-date information when registering for our groups and clubs.
This may include important information such as emergency contact details, medical or health information, allergies, additional support needs and other information that our youth workers may need to be aware of.
Keeping your information up to date means our staff have the most accurate information available and can contact you quickly if needed.
Your information is handled securely and used to support the safe and effective delivery of our youth work services.
Do youth clubs cost anything?
Most youth clubs have a small charge of £1.00 per session. This money goes directly back into activities for young people, helping to fund opportunities such as cooking, trips, arts and crafts and other activities.
What activities are available?
Activities vary across our clubs and groups and can include games, creative activities, outdoor learning, community projects, volunteering, awards and opportunities for young people to develop new skills.
Is targeted support available for young people?
Yes. We offer targeted support, groups and projects for young people who may benefit from additional or more specific support. This includes provision for young people who identify as neurodiverse, LGBTQ+ young people and LGBTQ+ allies, alongside other targeted support based on local needs. Check out our Targeted Youth Work Page for more information.
More Info - Targeted Groups and Clubs (opens new window)
Where do youth clubs take place?
Youth clubs and groups take place in local community venues, schools and partnership locations across West Lothian. Check our youth club directory to find your nearest group, including times, locations and age ranges.
Can my young person attend more than one group?
Yes. Young people can get involved in different opportunities where spaces are available. Please note that all groups are subject to capacity.
What happens if a group is full?
Some groups have maximum capacities. If a group is full, please contact the Youth Services team who can provide information on other opportunities available. CLDYouthServices@westlothian.gov.uk (opens new window)
How can I keep updated with youth clubs and activities?
Follow YouthworkWL on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates, activities, events and announcements. Your local youth work team will also keep you posted on any updates, changes or new provisions.
