Scotland East Team Kiltwalk Fundraiser – 11 Miles for Children’s Mental Health

On Sunday 13 September 2026, our Scotland East team will be taking on an incredible challenge — walking 11 miles through Edinburgh as part of the Kiltwalk “Big Stroll”, from The Meadows to Murrayfield Stadium.

👉 https://www.thekiltwalk.co.uk

Why we’re doing this

We are fundraising for Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity that works in schools to ensure that no child has to face their mental health challenges alone.

In our everyday roles, we see first-hand how many children are struggling with anxiety, trauma, and difficult life experiences. We also see how powerful it is when a child finally feels listened to, understood, and supported.

But Place2Be’s work goes beyond supporting children alone.

They also:

Support parents and carers, helping them better understand their child’s emotional needs and feel more confident in supporting them at home

Work alongside teachers and school staff, offering guidance, training and space to reflect, so they feel more equipped to respond to children’s needs with care and confidence

Strengthen the whole school community, creating environments where wellbeing is prioritised and every child feels safe to be themselves

We know that when adults feel supported, children benefit too. This whole-community approach is what makes such a lasting difference.

My Story

My journey with Place2Be has been both deeply personal and professionally rewarding. I began as a volunteer counsellor, driven by a passion to support children and young people’s mental health. Shortly after, I relocated from Edinburgh to Dundee to help establish two new primary school projects—an experience that was both exciting and meaningful, as it allowed me to contribute to expanding Place2Be’s reach to communities that needed it.

During the Covid pandemic, I returned to Edinburgh and continued my work within two established school projects, providing consistency and support during an especially challenging time for children, families, and schools.

Three years ago, I recognised that I could make an even broader impact by stepping into a more operational role. I took on the position of Assistant Area Manager while continuing my work as a School Project Manager in one of my Edinburgh schools. This combination allowed me to stay closely connected to frontline delivery while also supporting wider service development and team leadership.

This academic year, I have had the privilege of stepping into the role of Area Manager for Scotland East—an opportunity I feel incredibly honoured to hold. My journey reflects not only my personal commitment to the mission and values of Place2Be, but also the dedication, passion, and resilience of the team I am so proud to work alongside every day.

Together, we remain committed to ensuring that every child has access to the mental health support they need to thrive.

Who is taking part

This challenge is a real team effort. Walking together are our:

Mental Health Practitioners

School Project Managers

Operational and Clinical team members

And our incredible Counsellors on Placement

Together, we are stepping out of our everyday roles and literally going the extra mile for the children, families and school communities we support.

Why your support matters

The 11 miles will be tough — but it is nothing compared to the challenges many children face every day.

Every donation helps Place2Be:

💛 Provide safe spaces where children can talk and be heard

💛 Support families to feel less alone in difficult times

💛 Equip school staff with the tools to respond with confidence and compassion

💛 Reach more children early, before challenges grow

Thank you

Your support truly means the world to us. Whether you donate, share our page, or cheer us on — you are helping us make a real difference.

Together, we can make every step count for children’s mental health.