At 63, I’m jumping out of a plane… for SAFE!

On 30 August 2026, my daughter Rosie and I will be stepping far outside our comfort zones by taking part in a charity parachute jump in support of SAFE (Supportive Approachable Friendly Environment).

I’ve spent 45 years as a children’s nurse, working with children, young people and families across the NHS. I currently work as a Roald Dahl Transition Nurse Specialist, helping young people with complex health needs move from children’s to adult services.

Throughout my career I’ve encouraged others to be brave, embrace new challenges and believe in themselves. As I’ve got older, I’ve realised that courage doesn’t always get easier! In fact, I’ve become much more apprehensive about doing things that once wouldn’t have worried me.

So I decided it was time to practise what I preach.

If I can overcome my fear and jump out of an aeroplane at 63 years old, hopefully it will encourage others to believe they can face their own challenges too.

Even better, I get to do it with my amazing daughter, Rosie. We’re paying for the jump ourselves, so every penny donated goes directly to SAFE. We hope it will be a fantastic mother-and-daughter adventure while raising awareness of a charity that means so much to us.

Why SAFE?

For the past year I’ve had the privilege of serving as Chair of Trustees for SAFE, and in September I’ll be handing the role over to Pam Pickles, whose experience and longstanding links with Lancaster University make her an exciting person to lead the charity into its next chapter. I’ll continue as a trustee because I passionately believe in what SAFE does.

SAFE is a small local charity with a huge heart.

Every day it provides welcoming, non-judgemental spaces where people who are struggling with loneliness, anxiety, poor mental health or difficult life circumstances can simply belong.

Socialease

For adults experiencing isolation, social anxiety or loneliness, Socialease offers relaxed drop-in sessions where people can connect without pressure. A unique green, yellow and red table-card system allows everyone to choose how much they want to interact, making it a genuinely safe and inclusive environment.

Prop Up

For young people aged 13–25, Prop Up uses creative activities, arts and crafts, and wellbeing projects to help build confidence, resilience and coping skills. Sometimes all it takes is one trusted adult, one supportive group, and one safe place to change the direction of a young person’s life.

SAFE is powered by dedicated volunteers who receive specialist training in safeguarding and mental health. Together they create places where people feel accepted, valued and hopeful.

Why your donation matters

Your support will help SAFE continue providing early intervention, practical support and welcoming spaces for young people and adults across Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth and the surrounding area.

No donation is too small.

Whether you can give £5, £10, £20 or more, you’ll be helping someone feel less alone, more confident and better equipped to cope with life’s challenges.

And if you can’t donate, sharing this page with family, friends and colleagues would mean just as much.

Thank you for supporting Rosie and me as we take a leap of faith—quite literally!

Wish us luck… we’ll need it!

Val Baxter & Rosie Baxter