Building Trust, Changing Lives: How We Support Scotland’s Most Vulnerable

By Hawys Kilday, CEO, Apex Scotland

At Apex Scotland, our mission goes beyond providing services. We are committed to transforming lives by building deep, trusting relationships with those we serve. Every individual who comes to us has their own story, their own challenges, and their own aspirations. What binds all of our efforts together is a shared belief in the power of relationships, trust, and tailored support to create lasting change.

A Team Driven by Passion and Commitment

Our work is delivered by an incredible team of skilled, experienced, and passionate colleagues. They place the people we help—the participants—at the heart of every decision they make. Each program we offer is tailor-made to fit local needs, but the golden thread that ties all our services together is our trauma-responsive approach.

We understand that many of the people we help have experienced stigma, adversity, poverty, and trauma, all of which have shaped their lives and decisions. Sadly, they are often misunderstood or overlooked by society. Our role is to change that narrative.

The Challenge of Building Trust

Building trust with someone who has faced rejection, hardship, and a lack of opportunity isn’t easy. For many of our participants, positive support has been scarce in their lives, and the idea of trusting someone can feel risky. Yet, trust is the cornerstone of our work—it is how we help individuals move forward.

We recognise the complexity involved in creating these relationships. Our approach ensures that every person is met where they are, whether they’re taking their first steps toward change or are further along in their journey.

Success Looks Different for Everyone

No two participant journeys are the same. Success can take many forms—whether it’s securing employment, reconnecting with family, or simply gaining the confidence to try something new. That’s why we’ve developed Apex Scotland’s participant journey framework.

This six-stage framework is not just a strategy; it’s a reflection of our understanding that personal growth and progress look different for everyone. Each stage focuses on building specific skills, from developing trust to preparing for employment.

The Ripple Effect of Positive Change

The impact of what we do extends far beyond the individual. When participants gain skills and confidence, they are better equipped to build healthier relationships with their families, contribute positively to their communities, and pursue meaningful opportunities like volunteering or employment.

We don’t underestimate the power of these ripple effects. Helping one person can transform the lives of many others, creating stronger, more resilient and safer communities across Scotland.

Looking to the Future

As we continue to grow, we remain committed to our participants and their unique journeys. Over the next three years, our strategic framework will guide us in delivering the support and opportunities that Scotland’s most vulnerable need to thrive.

At Apex Scotland, we believe in people—their potential, their resilience, and their ability to grow when given the right support. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we can continue to build trust and change lives