No seventeen-year-old should have to give up education because the adults and systems around them fail to provide what they are meant to provide. Work can build character. Work can teach discipline. Work can even rescue you when everything else falls apart. But there is a big difference between choosing work and being pushed into it because the money is not there. In my previous post, I spoke about having to leave education and start working at McDonalds. That did not last lo

A blanket ban on social media for under-16s may sound like protection, but for many LGBTQ young people it could cut off one of the few safe routes to support, language, and belonging. The UK’s push to make the internet safer for children comes from a real concern. Young people can face bullying, harmful content, grooming, addiction-style app design, and pressure that adults barely understand themselves. None of that should be brushed aside. But a ban is a blunt tool. It treat

When my dad first signed me up for the Air Cadets, I wasn’t thrilled. It felt like something I had to do rather than wanted to do. But over time, that feeling changed. Moving from Stanmore to Fareham brought a fresh start and a new squadron to join: the 1350 Squadron, located just next to the Titchfield roundabout. This change marked the beginning of a surprising journey where I found enjoyment, friendship, and a sense of belonging. Discovering 1098 Squadron The 1350 Squadron