Simen from Bridges Project:
“Our young people go on to do amazing things”

Bridges Project supports disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalised young people aged 12-25 in East Lothian and Midlothian to overcome barriers, move safely on to adulthood and fulfil their potential.

We asked Simen from Bridges Project to share a bit about the difference they’re seeing in the young people they support.

What we do

At Bridges Project, we deliver a wide range of one-to-one and group support focused on employability, education, life skills and wellbeing.

In Midlothian, we run an employability and educational programme for young people. The support we provide is flexible, tailored to each young person and with no fixed number of session or length of time young people can receive support.

The difference we’re making

I’m passionate about Bridges Project because we can see the difference we make to young people every single day.

Many of the young people we support have been disengaged from all other activities and not attended school for years, but with our support, they overcome any barriers they have and go on to do amazing things.

Some even decide to give back to us as volunteers so to see those full-circle moments is really inspiring.

We can also see that our model of tailoring support entirely around what young people want and need, without the pressure of having only a set number of sessions or a set of areas they need to focus on, really works. To see young people’s lives being changed on a daily basis and see the confident and motivated young individuals they develop into is what keeps us going.

How I look after my mental health

For me, it is important to take some time to myself to really just unwind and relax – even if this is just sitting down and watching a film or a series, which really just takes your mind off everything else going on.

I also think looking after your physical health helps your mental health so I try to also set aside time and energy to exercise regularly and strive (although I often fail!) to eat somewhat healthy food.

Find out more about Bridges Project on Midspace.