I will be cycling 350 km from London to Brussels on 13-16 September and using the opportunity to raise money for two very worthwhile causes. Fantastic Friends Friday and Afrika Tikkun. 

Fantastic Friends Friday (FFF) 

Started in 2012 for a group of young adults with Additional Support Needs. The group gives opportunities for the members to develop independence and life skills, to grow in confidence and self-esteem through social activities with planning led by themselves in a safe and secure environment. This impacts positively on mental and physical health. Also they want to do what everyone else their age does – go out and enjoy themselves at the weekend! It is important that this project takes place on a Friday.

The National Lottery funded community project is very close to my heart as it is attended than none other than my big brother Chris (The Big Chief) Houston. 

I see the lifelong friends and skills Chris has made and look forward to the project continuing for many years to come.

For more details on FFF  or if you would like to join, checkout the guys facebook page or the link below: 

http://www.whatsoneastrenfrewshire.co.uk/listings/fantastic-friends-friday/

Afrika Tikkun 

Set up by South African friends, Afrika Tikkun works to reduce child poverty and youth unemployment by giving children full-time education and developing skills that lead to employment among young adults, in a country where youth unemployment is at 54% and 66.8% children are currently in poverty (4 die of hunger every day). 

Unlike most charities, all the administration costs are absorbed by the people that run it - as a result, everything you give will go directly to helping the people that need it most.

Your money will go directly towards full-time education and career development programs that empower young people with new skills and give them new tools that allow access to economic opportunity. The Cradle to Career 360° model supports young people through a combination of nutrition, health, education, empowerment, and career development.

see more about Afrika Tikkun at: https://afrikatikkun.org/