Nora's Half-Marathon Challenge

I'm running for Khulisa - I know that but for my accedemic results and a few strong adult relationships and friends my own teen experiences could have been very different. I bunked school, I put myself in dangerous situations, I ran from my feelings and environments that felt scary or uncomfortable.

The essence of the Khulisa programme, is to nurture those who have similar experiences, but lack the support, care and community to help them navigate their emotions.

Young people often come to us, struggling to cope in class, with experiences of trauma or bullying. What I’ve seen through being on the programme is how, through art and drama therapeutic techniques young people can learn to identify their emotions and triggers and how to name and ask for support. (This is hard even for adults!) Their confidence grows as they learn that they as not their behaviour. They create beautiful artwork and masks and hold complex debates on topics of violence, bullying, sexualised behaviour often surpassing the eloquence of our leaders in national government!

I love my team and work I do; but we are increasingly dealing with more complex needs or cases where mental health needs aren’t seen as ‘severe’ enough by statutory services. We are also supporting communities who are experiencing traumatic events of knife crime, which has been covered in the news recently, both in London and Manchester. These communities need our support more than ever and part of my run is a way to feel I am doing something - anything - to highlight this cause.

I am not a runner (even less so than 10yrs ago and this will be a huge push!) Any donation is really valued and will go a long way to encouraging me over the line - literally!

Thank you so much.