Many of you know I work for the amazing charity 'The Junction' This is our 16th year of working with young people in Leith and North East Edinburgh. To mark this milestone birthday, we are asking people to join us in raising funds across the year, so we can continue to offer services that support young people in our community to achieve their full potential. 

Adolescence can be a challenging time for young people learning about the world, its' wider systems, learning who we are, how to be independent from family, relationships with friends. This is only exacerbated by other circumstances such as anxiety about relationships, identity, education and their future.The pandemic has added more uncertainty and challenges for young people and during this time, The Junction has continued to support young people with their health and wellbeing, as many find it increasingly hard to cope.

I am passionate about supporting our young people, they deserve to be heard and supported at this time. I am fearful of what this pandemic will leave in its wake and small local youth organisations like The Junction are one of the most important ways to offer them support. As we know, funding for systems in place have been continuously reduced over the years and enormous pressure has been placed on existing services so much so, they can't cope. Small charities like ours are fighting #Junction16 for survival at a time we are needed most, so please, join me in a  challenge or whatever you want to do, so we can keep on helping our young folks. 

Join me as I attempt to walk/run for16,000 steps (about 12.8km) for the whole of the month of May. It may not sound like a huge challenge but I think it will push me at times, to get out of my bed early mostly! I will update on my progress each day with wee observation, perhaps a video and picture or two and hopefully encourage you to do the same.

For more ideas of how to get involved with #Junction16 please check out our fundraising pack (still in progress) and get onboard!