Hello, I’m Lisa, and I have the immense privilege of leading 2BU Somerset, a charity dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ young people across our county. This work is more than a role; it's part of who I am.

My commitment to 2BU is deeply rooted in my own lived experience of feeling different, searching for belonging, and learning the life-changing power of being seen and supported. It’s this understanding that fuels my passion for creating spaces where young people can explore their identity, find their voice, and feel safe to be themselves.

That's why, this September, I’m stepping into a new kind of challenge: a self-funded charity trek through the majestic but demanding Toubkal Mountains in Morocco. It’s not just about reaching the summit, it’s about carrying the spirit of 2BU with me every step of the way.

This isn’t just a hike though. It’s a personal journey. It’s about facing doubt, pushing past fear, and saying yes to growth, even when it feels daunting.

Like many of the LGBTQ+ young people we support at 2BU, I’ve wrestled with questions, for me it's “Am I good enough?” It’s a quiet doubt that creeps in, even after years of experience and success. Preparing for this challenge has brought up vulnerability, moments where I’ve questioned my strength. But it’s also been a powerful reminder: we’re often capable of far more than we believe.

At 2BU, we work with young people who are asking big, brave questions about who they are and where they belong. They show up with resilience, creativity, and honesty, even when the world around them isn’t always kind. Through this trek, I want to honour their courage and raise vital funds to grow our support. Every donation helps expand our work via youth groups, 1:1 support, peer mentoring, and the chance to feel truly seen without judgment.

This mountain journey mirrors the emotional journeys so many LGBTQ+ young people take. It’s hard. It’s steep. But it’s possible with support, with belief, and with community.

If you’re able to support our cause whether by donating, sharing, or simply cheering me on please know how much it matters. Together, we can ensure no LGBTQ+ young person in Somerset feels they have to face life’s mountains alone. #ItsOK2BU