Being young can be tough but never more so than today. Mental health referrals doubled in this county last year, over 1 in 4 of our young people struggle and NHS waiting lists are 366 days- that's a long time to wait if you are suicidal. Child exploitation referrals went up by 45% in Shropshire last year, drug related deaths are increasing, around 30 % of households in areas like Shrewsbury North Shropshire are food impoverished. Hungry children don't learn. These are not just numbers they are real children- real lives, and they highlight just a few of problems facing many of our young today.

At the same time many local charities supporting them are struggling due to lack of funds. Schools are relying on these organisations and they are closing or cutting back on vital support. Something needs to be done!

Youth Awareness Day, is a powerful new campaign led by the young for the young of Shropshire and spearheaded by the High Sheriff, Jane Trowbridge. It is designed to spotlight the needs and potential of young people across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin and to raise much needed funds for the the local youth charities which support them. This page is just one way we are raising money we are also raising money by direct donations from organisations and businesses. We hope to grow this fund so that it can make a real and lasting impact- one which can change lives.

Our young need your support now- so please give as generously as you can to the Youth Awareness Day fund created by the Shropshire Community Fund to support local youth charities.

And turn Shropshire Blue for Youth on 16th October by wearing something blue to show your support for the young of Shropshire.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.