When The Junction approached me about becoming their Patron, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to support the young people living in North East Edinburgh today, in what are particularly challenging times.
Having been born in Leith and brought up in North Edinburgh, I realise now how lucky I am. I look back at that period and think that at times it could be a hard place, but I also vividly recall that the people there shared a real sense of loyalty, determination and an ability to laugh together. Equally I remember what it was like to be young, often not knowing – who I was, who I wanted to be or where to go for answers.
The Junction supports young people at various stages and times, as they manoeuvre through differing life choices, whether these be about relationships, family, school, sexuality, health or wellbeing. Omnipresent, The Junction is there at the heart of the community offering education, support and its own distinctive brand of loyalty and determination to do the best it can for local young people.
It’s an honour for me to be able to support this organisation and indeed this community, both of whom I admire.