My Story

Many of you know that I work for an amazing organisation called The Junction that supports young people (12 - 21) with their health and wellbeing, in Leith and NE Edinburgh. I am so proud to be part of this wee charity because I see first hand the amazing work they do and how they can turn a young persons life around.

Services are free and include counselling, one-to-ones, a Creative service, help with sexual health and drop-in and walk in services; these allow young people to access support with no appointment and to speak to one of our incredible project workers about whatever is on their mind. This can be the small life-line they need at that time.

As a mum of young people, I have seen how hard it is for young people these days, how impossible it can feel to access any help for their mental health and how that can leave them and their families and carer's feeling abandoned in a broken system.

The Junction

Young people are facing a growing mental health crisis, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, global issues and the cost-of-living crisis. This means demand for CAMHS services has increased significantly in the City of Edinburgh, and upwards of 22% of all CAMHS referrals are rejected.

It is not surprising that we are experiencing high demand for our services. With long waiting lists within NHS services, young people often have nowhere else to turn for support. This is occurring at a time when our overheads are increasing and opportunities to apply for funding are reducing.

Young people tell us that our services are life changing and lifesaving. Your donation will help maintain vital services for young people and support us to respond to the growing demand for mental health and wellbeing support.

Thank you!