Posts by Leigh
Mic Drop on Misogyny – Napier Students Podcasting Change
Fast Forward are focused on listening to, and learning from, young people in order to support them in making informed decisions about risk-taking behaviours. We are also passionate about the benefits of partnership working, and are keen to offer quality placements to students that enhance their learning and experiences wherever possible. When our friends at…
Read MoreFast Forward in Perfect Partnership with Peeple!
Peeple is a national UK charity that supports parents and young children to learn together, strengthening child development by building on everyday learning opportunities. With a strong evidence-base we equip professionals to empower families in creating a rich home learning environment through meaningful interactions. We have 4 programmes, all delivered with families…
Read MoreRemembering Simon Jaquet
It was with great sadness that we learned that Simon Jaquet, our 1st CEO, died last week. Simon was instrumental in setting Fast Forward up in 1987, and in it becoming a respected and valued national youth work organisation. He moved from Fast Forward in 2001 to take up the role of Chief Executive of YouthLink…
Read MoreHow the Games You Played as a Child Shaped Your Brain
Veronica Lichtenstein, a licensed mental health counsellor and former teacher (Newsweek, 7/12/25) recently shared an interesting perspective on why many people who grew up gaming in the 1990s often think and learn differently from Gen Z. His argument was simple but striking: the games you played as a child didn’t just entertain you — they…
Read MoreA night to remember, “Bye, love you!” and the return of the role model.
Some notable events towards the end of November 2025 have put Scotland in the spotlight and, for a welcome change of late, it is not because of stories about gangland violence and turf wars. A couple of these events, captured on video, have gone truly viral and for all the right reasons too, positive stories…
Read MoreWhen Students and Charities Unite, Communities Thrive.
The Benefits of Charities Working with Students on Placement In today’s fast-changing world, collaboration between charities and students has become more than just a goodwill gesture—it’s a strategic partnership that brings mutual benefits. Student placements within charities provide young people with hands-on experience while helping organisations access fresh ideas, energy, and talent. When done well,…
Read MoreMarvellous Moustaches and Great Goatees – It’s Movember!
Movember and Men’s Mental Health: Why the Conversation Matters more than the Moustache. Every November, you may notice more facial hair than usual—from terrific ‘taches to hindrance handlebars some impressive, some questionable, and some grown out of pure determination. This annual phenomenon is known as Movember, a global movement that encourages men to grow moustaches…
Read MoreThe Hidden Danger: Aerosol Abuse in Young People
Solvent abuse can be one of those things that come out of the blue and which no one seems to know much about. We see risk taking behaviours change and adapt over time, and when it came up recently in conversation with some of the young people we work with, we decided to find out…
Read MoreOff the Bench and on Track for Success
Going Forward’s Partnership with the Falkirk Foundation’s Cashback Off the Bench Programme The Going Forward team are delighted to have rekindled our long-term partnership relationship with Falkirk Foundation and their Cashback Off the Bench Programme. We recently caught up with Declan Kidd to chat about how our Going Forward workshop sessions continue to: complement and…
Read MoreA Destructive Cycle: Poor Mental Health and Gambling
Some people view gambling as a harmless, occasional activity, but for many, it becomes a destructive cycle—especially when poor mental health is involved. There’s growing evidence showing a strong link between mental health struggles and gambling harm, with each often feeding into the other in harmful ways. Gambling to help cope For those experiencing anxiety,…
Read More