On Friday 29th July, I will be walking 30 miles around Southampton to raise money for Saints Foundation – the charity that has helped transform my life and has been my place of work for over 3 years now.

Saints Foundation aims to help people in Southampton lead more fulfilling lives and this has certainly been the case for myself and many others in this city.

My first contact with Saints Foundation was 8 years ago, in 2014, when I took part in their employability programme. Now known as Saints Works, this project continues to help young people gain confidence and learn skills to get back into work or education to this day.

Not long after I received their support, I got my first job as a mental health support worker. Then in 2018, I found myself unemployed and hospitalised after struggling with my own mental health. When I came home, my confidence was shattered. I didn’t know where to start – and that’s when I found Saints Foundation once again.

This was the lowest point in my life, but through support and guidance from the amazing people at this charity, I have come from being a project participant low on confidence, to an apprentice in the Health team, and now to my current role as an Assistant Project Officer – all within 4 years. The patience and faith shown to me has helped me become more confident and live a more fulfilling life.

Now, I’m part of a great team that deliver exercise classes to older adults in the local community, helping them stay active and avoid isolation.

Why walk 30 miles? I’ve decided to walk 10 miles for each year I have worked for this wonderful charity. I’ve never walked that far in a single day, so it’s going to be tough, but I’m determined to give back to Saints Foundation through this challenge.

Any donations are much appreciated. Thank you for reading x