A Safe Space to Grow: Ebony's Journey with Club 10

Seventeen-year-old Ebony first joined our Club 10 programme at the age of nine. Introduced through Families Outside, she and her family quickly became regular participants. Almost a decade on, Ebony is now a volunteer with the programme, helping to support other young people and families.

Club 10 is one of Denis Law Legacy Trust's main programmes, supporting families affected by imprisonment in both prison and community settings. Delivered in partnership with Families Outside, the Scottish Prison Service and Action for Children, the programme provides a welcoming, child-friendly environment during children's visits to HMP & YOI Grampian. Through sport and creative activities, Club 10 helps families spend quality time together, strengthen relationships and create positive shared experiences.

Alongside activities, Club 10 offers tailored guidance and signposting to personal development opportunities within the prison and the wider community, helping families access the support they need to thrive.

For Ebony, Club 10 became much more than a place to take part in activities. Over the years, she enjoyed everything from sports and creative sessions to community events and trips. These experiences helped her develop new skills, build lasting friendships and grow in confidence.

Some of Ebony's most meaningful memories come from the time she spent at Club 10 with her dad, who has since passed away. The programme provided a place where she felt safe, supported and connected, and those shared experiences remain an important part of her journey.

Ebony's confidence has grown significantly during her time with Club 10. She has become more willing to step outside her comfort zone, embrace new opportunities and challenge herself. With support, she began attending Granite City Speaks, Denis Law Legacy Trust's Youth Forum, where she continues to develop her skills, confidence and leadership abilities.

Inspired to get more involved, Ebony started exploring other opportunities offered by the Trust, including volunteering. Since then, she has completed over 220 hours of volunteering across Streetsport and Club 10 sessions, making a valuable contribution to both programmes and the young people who attend them.

Ebony has achieved an exceptional 200 hours of volunteering, while Aimee has reached a magnificent 100 hours. Pictured above together, both regularly support our Streetsport sessions in Torry, Cove, Northfield and Kincorth, and also play a valuable role in our Club 10 programme.

Kiana Coutts, DLLT's Outreach Development Officer, said: "It has been a pleasure to see Ebony grow in both confidence and skill. She has a natural ability to empathise with others, which is reflected in her drive to create opportunities for young people who may be in a similar position to where she was when she first attended sessions. We are excited to see what the next stage of Ebony's journey will bring as she continues to develop and act as a positive role model for others."

Earlier this year, Ebony's commitment and dedication were recognised at the Active Schools Aberdeen Volunteering Celebration, where she received both her Gold and Platinum Volunteering Awards. This outstanding achievement reflects her dedication, commitment and positive contribution to young people and the wider community.

Ebony's willingness to give back demonstrates not only her personal growth but also her belief in the value of Club 10 and the support it provides. As she looks ahead to the next stage of her journey, she remains a positive role model, using her experiences to inspire and encourage other young people.

When asked what Club 10 has meant to her, Ebony said: "I would say Club 10 is a huge part of my life and I look forward to it every month. It's a safe space where I can be myself and have fun. The activities that we do give me the opportunity to do something that I would never have had the chance to do without Club 10. I feel that Club 10 has really improved my confidence and helped me create memories I'll never forget."

Ebony's story highlights the lasting impact of sustained, relationship-based youth work. From a shy nine-year-old participant to a confident and engaged seventeen-year-old volunteer, her journey reflects the purpose of Club 10: helping young people build confidence, access opportunities and realise their potential. Today, she is not only benefiting from those opportunities herself but helping to create them for others.

If you would like more information about Club 10, our Impact Report 2025 has more details about its impact and delivery.