Walking 69 miles of the South West Coast Path

[p]I have worked in services for many years now as a support worker. I have supported children and families and I am now proud to support 18-25 year olds that have been in care working for Encompass South West. Encompass is a homelessness prevention charity. So much time and dedication is put in to support individuals with all aspects of their lives to help them build a better one. From housing projects, outreach work and projects supporting 16-18 year olds in college. No judgements are cast. People are seen for who they are. My clients are not defined by their past but I help motivate them towards the future they deserve. Whilst I would love to be able to tell you that every story is a success and that services work harmoniously together to provide much needed support in areas of need such as mental health, the reality of the current climate for front line services is a very different story. We are all doing what we can. With social services holding caseloads of 30 plus and mental health services stretched to near crisis it’s hard. But there is hope. There is hope in the power of community. In the power of sharing our stories to help others. In the hope of breaking stigma and judgement and doing what we can do to help. Whilst this challenge is about raising money, the constant reoccurring theme of ‘mental well-being’ underpins all my work and therefore I am using this challenge as an opportunity for people to do their bit. To share their stories. I will be completing 69 miles of the South West Coast Path from St Ives-The Lizard over 1 week on 28th of September ‘19’. I am asking individuals, groups, charity representatives, professionals and friends and family to join me on various sections of the route. From 1 mile to 1 day you decide. A timetable showing the route will be provided to anyone wishing to join me and you are encouraged to choose your journey and get involved. [/p][p]EVERYONE has a story. For some people just knowing that someone else has been through a similar experience is enough. I will be documenting my journey and sharing all of your amazing stories throughout this process and during the challenge. Obviously I will have GDPR’ed the s**t out of it as I am of course a professional! [/p][p]I am so incredibly grateful to be working with the South West Coast Path on this challenge as it allows an opportunity to showcase the beautiful landscape on our doorstep and how we can all use it to help positively enrich our lives. This challenge was inspired by Raynor Winn’s book- The Salt Path. I cannot recommend it enough! [/p][p]A percentage of money raised will also go to Mind. An amazing charity supporting mental health. [/p][p]If you have made it to this point without getting bloody bored then thank-you. Please, please help me spread the word and get in touch if you would like to share your story of hope. You can of course remain anonymous. [/p][p]Thank you X a million from people that cannot thank you themselves. Yet. [/p][p]Laura. [/p][p][br][/p][p][br][/p]