Posts by Alejandra Cordova

The rise in new, deadly synthetic cannabinoids and opioids have led to a significant increase in drug related deaths in Scotland and across the UK. These deadly new synthetic drugs pose a serious threat and according to the BBC, “Unlike heroin or cocaine, which are derived from cultivated plants, many of the new substances are…

Last week we hosted a focus group for our new Outside of the Box Programme with a group of six 8–11-year-olds. The programme facilitates conversations about prejudice, preconceptions and stigma related to differences, with a particular focus on healthy masculinity and femininity. Children are growing up in an increasingly complex social environment, where discrimination, harmful…

The World Cup brings us all in for the celebrations and the love of the game, the players, and the sport itself. While the love of the game brings us together, football can also lead to conflict, division, harm, and violence.   It is hard to deny the gender inequality within football, with women’s football not…

The World Cup is a great time to get together with your family and friends, celebrating your team’s victories and losses. While the matches can bring joy, excitement, and even friendly competition, major sporting tournaments can also lead to an increase in risk-taking behaviours such as gambling.   Betting in sports has seen a significant rise…

We are happy to announce that one of our Fast Forward trustee’s Charlotte Bamford’s team, the Toryglen Community Youth Project SCIO, were recognised as finalists for Team of the Year at the National Youth Work Awards 2026 organised by YouthLink Scotland.  The Toryglen Community Youth Project SCIO is a charity that provides safe, inclusive and…

As a new member of the team, I was thrilled to attend Fast Forwards’ annual Festival of Peer Inspiration (FPI) event this year, where young people come together to inspire, educate, and empower one another for brighter and better futures. The goal of the day is to inform young people about risk taking behaviours as well as inspire young people to get involved themselves for the next FPI.    This year we had…

I am very excited to join Fast Forward as the new Marketing and Communications Officer!  For the past 6 years, I have worked in advocacy driven organisations, using videos and graphics to create engaging, impactful and accessible communications.    Prior to joining Fast Forward, I completed an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Social and Public Policy at…

I am incredibly proud and excited to be joining Fast Forward as the new Project Manager for the Scottish Gambling Education Hub (SGEH). For over 30 years, my work has centred around supporting children, young people, families and communities across Scotland through prevention, education, advocacy and trauma-informed practice. Throughout my career, one thing has remained…