Hi everyone, 

I am overlooking my subpar level of fitness to take on this challenge, where I'll trek 25km across the mountain range of the Brecon Beacons as part of TrekFest 2019. Why am I doing this? For the views? Because I need to break in a pair of walking boots? Because South Wales is lovely in July? Well, yes. But more importantly, I want to raise money to support NYAS' fantastic Independent Visitor programme. 

The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) provides children and young people in care with advocacy and support to ensure their voices are heard and they're able to have a say in decisions that affect their lives. They run an Independent Visitor service, which I've been privileged to be a part of for two years. It matches children in the care system with a volunteer who meets with them once a month, gets to know them, and enjoys fun outings and activities with them. It's as simple as that, but the impact can be transformative! 

Children and young people in care often have to deal with frequent changes to where they live, who they live with, the school they go to, and the professionals who work with them. This inconsistency can be unsettling, making it difficult to build strong foundations and relationships. Each Independent Visitor becomes a much-needed consistent figure in a young person's life. Far removed from their situation, the Independent Visitor's job is simply to ensure the young person has access to a great day out once a month - think bowling, cinema, theatre, go-karting, theme parks, sport, cycling...! 

By supporting NYAS' Independent Visitor service, we can ensure children and young people have stability, support and equal opportunities to enjoy their youth - regardless of whether they're in care or not. Thanks so much for your kind donations; I'm covering the cost of the trek myself so all money will go directly to NYAS. You can find more about NYAS below and on its website, or simply ask me what it's like to be an Independent Visitor (spoiler alert: it's brilliant!). 

Now to get off the couch and start training; wish me luck! 

Lydia x