Inverclyde youth worker raises funds for wellbeing cafe

Jen Dickson, director of the Inverclyde Youth for Christ centre, is taking part in a 40-metre bungee swing off a platform along with her husband John.

They are planning to use the money they raise to set up a 'wellbeing cafe' for Inverclyde's younger residents.

The 41-year-old, who works directly with teenagers across Inverclyde, on the streets, at holiday clubs and as a school chaplain, also hopes to raise awareness of the poor mental heatlh and anxieties among teenagers.

Jen and John Dickson (Image: George Munro)

Jen, who lives in Greenock, said: "I have never done anything like this before and I am not much of a dare devil. But we want to raise as much money as we can. 

"We feel that a youth and wellbeing cafe is something that is really needed here in Inverclyde.

"We do street youth work in Upper Port Glasgow. We go out and talk to young people. We also work in Port Glasgow High School and Inverclyde Academy.

"I think in recent years young people's mental health has definitely got worse, especially since Covid.

"We recognise that poor mental health and wellbeing is one of the biggest challenges facing young people.

"Developing a project like the Youth Wellbeing Cafe will provide young people an environment to explore their emotions and express themselves while helping to equip them with the tools to nurture their own health and wellbeing."

Jen has been involved in the Youth for Christ movement since 2005, when she first signed up as a volunteer, then as a youth worker before taking on the role of director in 2011.

Her husband John, an IT specialist, will join her in the challenge at the Garry Bridge, at Killiecrankie in Perthshire, on Saturday August 31.

The 'Highland Swing' experience sends participants plunging 40 metres towards the River Garry before swinging in an arc under the platform.

It's described  as "a safe and unforgettable adrenalin-packed experience, perched above a dramatic gorge surrounded by ancient trees".

Analyst John, aged 36, said, "I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty nervous. But if we want to ask people to donate, we feel we need to do something that requires us to expend some effort.

"It's got to truly be a challenge. And besides, how can we as youth workers encourage young people to try to combat their fears if we aren't willing to?"

To support Jen and John, and to help fund the youth cafe, visit their fundraising page at stewardship.org.uk/pages/highlandswingfundraiser.

To find out more about Inverclyde Youth forChrist and the work they do email jen@inverclyde.yfc.co.uk.