Helping Young People Flourish in Cowal
eXp is a Christian youth work charity based in Dunoon, serving young people across the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll. Our vision is to see young people live life to the full—growing in confidence, discovering their potential, and exploring faith in a safe, supportive environment.
There are many ways to get involved in our work. Whether you’re looking to volunteer your time, share your skills, support financially, or help behind the scenes, your contribution can have a lasting impact on the lives of young people in Cowal.
Here are just a few of the ways you can support eXp and help young people grow and mature:
- Volunteer with young people at events, trips, and weekly programmes.
- Provide practical support—such as transport or behind-the-scenes help.
- Pray for us by joining our prayer group.
- Mentor or disciple a young person in their personal or faith journey.
- Offer your professional expertise (e.g. finance, law, safeguarding, fundraising).
- Join our Council of Reference, helping guide our mission and governance.
- Donate to support our ongoing work across Dunoon and the wider Cowal area.
Every contribution matters—whether you’re a young person stepping into leadership or an adult offering time, wisdom, or prayer. Together, we can create a community where young people are seen, heard, and supported as they grow into who they’re becoming.
Investing in Cowal’s Young People
We are deeply grateful for the incredible support of several key funders who believe in our vision and empower us to make a real impact in Dunoon and the Cowal Peninsula. The Carlton Trust and Allchurches Trust (Benefact Trust) have been steadfast in backing our community-driven youth programs. We owe so much to the Augusta Lamont Bequest, whose early investment allowed eXp to grow from a small idea into a thriving initiative. Additionally, we thank Foundation Scotland, the Essentia Foundation, the Church of Scotland Small Grants Fund, and the Arnold Clark Community Fund for their generous contributions that help us continue transforming young lives in Argyll.
You may not be a large-scale funder such as these, but every little helps in the lives of young people. You can make a big impact in a small way through your donations!
Volunteering Opportunities
Join Our Guidance Group
Our Council of Reference is a vital part of eXp’s structure. This group, made up of our trustees, provides wisdom, oversight, and strategic support as we seek to serve young people across Cowal.
The Council helps to shape:
- Our overall direction and decision-making
- The safeguarding of our core values
- Staffing and financial commitments
- Legal and financial reporting (as required for an SCIO charity)
If you have skills in administration, finance, charity governance, or simply a heart to support youth work behind the scenes, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re detail-focused, creative, or resourceful, your voice could make a real difference to the future of eXp.
By joining the Council of Reference, you’re investing in the future of young people in Dunoon and across the Cowal Peninsula.
Become a Stepper (S2+)
Steppers are young people (S2 and above) who want to make a difference and grow as young leaders. It’s a first step into helping out, getting involved, and learning what leadership looks like in a supportive and fun environment.
To become a Stepper, you don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need to show:
- A willingness to help
- A positive attitude
- An interest in being a role model to your peers
As a Stepper, you’ll stay fully in the role of a young person while taking on a bit more responsibility. You’ll support eXp activities and projects, learn leadership skills, and be a positive influence in your community. It’s a great way to grow in confidence while giving back.
Become a Rookie (S4+)
Rookies are our young leaders and are central to running eXp. Spotted in their blue hoodies, these are young people who have been involved with eXp for a few years and have shown an interest in leadership. Young people move into the opportunity to be a Rookie by:
- Showing growth in confidence;
- Being a positive influence as they are involved with eXp activities, projects and the wider community;
- Being able to take direction in positive ways to engage with others;
- Being open and respectful towards the “God stuff”;
- Having a desire to problem solve and be helpful.
- Recognising that being a Rookie places them in a leadership role in which they need to demonstrate being a positive role model for their peers.
Being a Rookie is both challenging and encouraging—it is another piece of life’s puzzle that will allow them to realise their true potential!
If you are a young person (S4 or above) who would like to be a Rookie, you can have a chat with or Jack McGinnigal to find out more and discover if it’s for you.
Become a Volunteer Leader (18+)
Giving your time and talent to invest in young people is a powerful and rewarding act. At eXp, our volunteer leaders are the heartbeat of everything we do. They bring energy, compassion, and commitment to help young people live life to the full.
Our young people are worth investing in—and when you volunteer with eXp, you’re not just giving your time, you’re helping shape futures.
“Volunteers are the only people on the face of this earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience and just plain loving one another.”
— Erma Bombeck
Whether you have experience in youth work or just a heart to serve, you’ll be supported, equipped, and welcomed into a team that cares deeply about young people and community.
DGS Work Experience
At eXp, we’re passionate about helping young people explore their gifts, grow in confidence, and discover their potential. That includes giving opportunities for work experience that are meaningful, encouraging, and rooted in real-life youth work.
We’ve built a strong and positive partnership with Dunoon Grammar School, and for several years now, we’ve welcomed pupils for a week-long placement in May as part of the school’s Work Experience Programme.
During your placement at eXp, you’ll:
- Get a behind-the-scenes look at how a youth work charity operates
- Help out with planning and supporting events or activities
- Learn what it means to build trust with young people in a safe and inclusive environment
- Gain experience in teamwork, communication, and leadership
- Reflect on whether youth work, education, ministry, or charity work could be part of your future
We aim to tailor your placement to your interests, giving you a chance to get involved at a level that’s both comfortable and stretching. You’ll be supported by experienced youth workers and staff who are there to help you learn and grow.
Become a Trainee Youth Worker
Are you finishing school and wondering what’s next? Do you care about young people and want to make a difference in your community? You might be a great fit for eXp’s Trainee Youth Worker Programme.
For over 12 years, we’ve offered this opportunity to young people—usually just leaving Dunoon Grammar School—who are ready to step into greater responsibility and explore what it means to serve others through youth work. As a trainee, you’ll be part of the team at eXp, supporting activities, events, and projects that make a real difference in the lives of young people across Cowal.
You’ll gain hands-on experience, receive mentoring and training, and build skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork. It’s a brilliant way to discover more about yourself, grow in confidence, and explore whether youth work—or a related path like teaching, ministry, or social care—could be part of your future.
Trainees are an important part of what we do. They help us connect with young people in meaningful ways, bringing energy, insight, and a peer voice to our work. In return, we aim to give you an experience that’s stretching, supportive, and genuinely life-giving.
