Day 200 - Glencoe to Fort William, a visit to Action for Children, and then on to the Isle of Skye



My day started early with a walk at Glencoe before travelling on to Fort William.

One of my closest advisors to BRIT, good friend and supporter is Dame Clare Tickell DBE.

Dame Clare is the Chief Executive of Action for Children.


Dame Clare Tickell DBE



Dame Clare is an ardent supporter and campaigner on behalf of the rights of vulnerable children. She qualified as a social worker from Bristol University in 1986 and in 2012 was awarded a Doctor of Laws honoris causa from Bristol University. A passionate and life-long supporter of social justice, in 2004 she was head hunted to lead Action for Children, one of the largest children's charities in the UK. Currently there is 6,000 paid staff, along with over 5,000 volunteers. Action for Children runs 480 projects each year impacting the lives of 180,000 children.

Walking with young people and supporters of Action for Children at the Virgin London Marathon 2010

Dame Clare is one of the most respected figures in the third sector and she was voted by her peers as the most admired Chief Executive in the third sector in 2010.

My relationship with Action for Children http://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/ started two years ago when I walked the Virgin London Marathon for 26 charities and chose Action for Children as one of those charities. I was deeply moved by the staff, families and children that I met on the day and my relationship with Action for Children has grown stronger and stronger.

Chatting with one of the young people walking for Action for Children
at the Virgin London Marathon 2010

Today I visited Action for Children’s Lochaber Family Service at their An Drochaid Centre in Fort William. At Action for Children’s Lochaber Family Service Team, they believe that every child and family has the right to achieve their full potential. They support children and their families who are at a crisis point in their lives and help them to overcome a whole range of difficulties. They provide support to families with children aged 0 to 3 years and cover child development and parenting issues. They also offer housing support to young people and families at risk of homelessness.

With some of the families and very young children I spent time with today who are supported by Action for Children

They;

·         Provide assistance to parents and young people at risk of becoming homeless

·         Address their housing needs by developing their skills through guidance, information and

           practical assistance

·         Assist them with budgeting, debt and life skills

·         Build on their abilities to deal with the transition from homelessness to temporary

          accommodation, through to obtaining and sustaining a permanent tenancy

It was a pleasure to meet the staff, families and their young children today and to see first-hand the remarkable work of Action for Children in Scotland.

Action for Children carries out vital work.

They are a children's charity who:

·                     run 480 projects across the UK

·                     tackle issues such as child neglect and abuse

They offer a wide range of innovative services that are provided to:

·                     children in care

·                     disabled children

·                     young people

These include:

·                     adoption and fostering services

·                     family support services

·                     specialist schools

Action for Children campaigns for children, young people and families who face incredibly difficult situations and their child neglect appeal highlights the need to tackle this serious but largely unnoticed issue.

Action for Children also carries out research and lobby government.

I am very proud to share a very special relationship with Action for Children and feel honoured that Dame Clare is an Advisor to BRIT.

Stopping off between Fort William and the Isle of Skye to admire the most stunning views of Scotland

From Fort William I drove on to the Isle of Skye in preparation for Day 201 of my BRIT 2012 mile walk tomorrow.

This evening, on arrival, I was taken out to see Skye from the sea and from a very different perspective. It was an opportunity to reflect on the day and to have some quiet time.

In between Scotland and Skye on the evening
 of Day 200 of my BRIT 2012 mile walk

I meet remarkable staff, families and young people and I often feel very frustrated that I cannot do more to assist and support. It’s at times like these that I just need some time to reflect and draw strength from the positive experiences to be ready and prepared for tomorrow.



Leaving Scotland to see the Isle of Skye from the sea

Ending the 200^th day of my BRIT 2012 mile walk with 730 miles to go.

My very best wishes,

Phil