The Junction – Young People, Health & Wellbeing is an award-winning organisation established in 2005 in response to local action research: ‘Safe & Sorted? Not in Leith.’ Here at the Junction we take a holistic approach towards young people’s health & wellbeing. We understand that the various aspects of young people’s lives are interrelated, so we make sure that young people are able to access all of our services, without having to fit themselves in with defined issues or problems.
We maintain a wider outlook, rather than focusing solely on the issue presented we try to see the whole person, and the different factors influencing their life. This way, no matter who walks through the Junction’s door or engages with us when we are out and about, whatever question or scenario they bring with them, we’ll respond in a way that’s helpful to them (i.e. no rules such as ‘we only deal with alcohol issues on Wednesdays, please come back then’). Within our holistic approach our services are layered, allowing young people to engage at their appropriate level & time.
We refer to this model as nested provision. Nested provision makes the more focussed services, such as one-to-one support and counselling, much more accessible because it allows young people time to build up a relationship of trust with our approach and ethos. It also offers support and gives young people time to identify their own needs. It’s important that young people can access the right service at the right time for them.
We won’t push young people to access a service they’re not ready for, nor will we funnel them into a structured programme when perhaps their needs indicate that more flexible support is the best option. However, we will make sure our service users feel supported to explore their options and make decisions. When one kind of support or engagement concludes, young people can continue to use the project through our other services thus creating their own unique pathway appropriate to their individual needs.
Director
Having a strategic overview of all activities relating to The Junction. Support and supervision of senior level staff. Liaising with Board of Trustees, funders and other stakeholders.
Project Work Team Lead
Overseeing the development and delivery of the Junction's Project Work Services and supporting the Project Worker team. Running the Friday Chiller alongside colleagues and supporting outreach delivery.
Contact Staff MemberCreative Express Worker
Providing one-to-one support, groupwork, and outreach, using a range of creative mediums to explore health and wellbeing. April-Wendy also supports The Junction Youth Advisors.
Young Person's Voice Worker
Exploring how we listen to and involve young people and supporting The Junction Youth Advisors. Providing one-to-one support and working on Drop-Ins; and school and street outreach.
Project Worker
Providing workshops to schools on Substance Use and one-to-one support for young people.
Project Worker - Outreach
Providing 1:1 support with young people, outreach in the local community and at schools, and co-hosting the Mosaic youth group with Multicultural Family Base.
Contact Staff MemberCounselling Team Lead
Overseeing the Junction Counselling Service. Matching young people with counsellors to suit their needs; and providing support and additional training to Junction counsellors.
Young Person's Counsellor
Providing confidential counselling. Offering up to 20 sessions, working with young people experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties.
Office Administrator
Helping us deliver our services by providing administrative support.
Fundraiser
Helping us deliver our services by raising funds through small grant applications, partnerships as well as fundraising events and activities.
Bookkeeper
Maintaining our financial records and preparing financial information to help with the management of the Junction.