News: 2026

In today's blog we're hearing directly from Tom's family and how his time throughout supported employment has had such a positive impact on his life.

Back in 2024 Thera Trust were honoured to be presented with the Edinburgh Festival ‘Bestie’ award for Accessibility for the work of our Gig Buddies project, enabling people with learning disabilities to access the Edinburgh Festivals, and ensuring that venues and community spaces across the city are confident to welcome neurodivergent audiences to their events.

Through building community connections, the team at Aspire Growing have built a strong relationship with members of their local community and are now providing chilli jam regularly to a local, independent café.

In a recent training session, the Gig Buddies with Thera Trust team talked in depth about why accessibility is so important and the history behind why they do what they do.

David shares how a local bike café has helped create ties to his local community.

Ashley finds happiness settling in to his new role in a local kitchen after a previous role at a garden centre.

We are celebrating William, who has entered paid employment with B&M Superstores! William's journey is a powerful example of teamwork, understanding and the impact of truly inclusive employers.

Tom finds a paid job he loves working with cats in a cat café.

Just over a year ago, the British Chambers of Commerce highlighted growing concern from businesses about a “lost generation” of young people at risk of being locked out of work, training and opportunity. Since then, the picture has begun to shift. While the challenges remain real, the last year has also shown what is possible when policy, practice and youth voice come together.

With us celebrating ten years of Gig Buddies with Thera Trust this year we are looking back on the last 10 years of trips to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.