Brave journeys

10/04/2026

I just want to take a moment to say a huge thank you to IKM Testing for their incredible generosity and kindness supporting my ‘Access for All fund’

An amazing £3,000 was raised at their recent event, which will be shared between Brave Journeys and All Life Chances. Support like this genuinely makes a difference. It allows me to continue offering safe, supportive spaces for children, young people, adults and families who need it most.

It really was a brilliant evening. A great atmosphere, plenty of fun, and all for such important causes. There’s something special about people coming together not just to enjoy themselves, but to give back. I’m also really grateful for the opportunity to come along, share a bit about my work, and feel that support firsthand.

Thank you…..

Your generosity will help real people, in real ways. £1500 will fund sessions for those who need support most.
People who, without the Access for All Fund, simply wouldn’t be able to afford it.

Graham ❤️

09/04/2026

Please can you vote for Brave Journeys. It’s 3 free sessions with the access for all fund.
The need is such the fund is depleted.
Thank you in advance.
G. X
fans

09/04/2026

This time of year… from years of experience, I can tell you—it’s a real struggle for a lot of young people.

Exam timetables come out and something shifts.

What might have felt manageable suddenly feels heavy.
Pressure builds.
Sleep gets disrupted.
Confidence dips.

And it’s not always obvious.

Some young people become withdrawn.
Some get snappy or overwhelmed.
Some look like they’re coping… but inside their head, it’s constant noise - and it’s loud!!

“What if I fail?”
“I can’t remember anything.”
“I’m not ready.”

This is exactly the point where support can make a real difference.

I offer hypnotherapy sessions focused on exam anxiety, overwhelm and relaxation—a calm, gentle approach that helps young people settle their mind and body when everything feels like too much.

Each session also includes a recording they can use at home, so they’ve got something familiar to go back to when the pressure rises again.

And I know cost can sometimes be a barrier, especially right now—
so support may also be available through my Access for All Fund, helping make sessions more accessible for families who need it.

It’s not about magic fixes.
It’s about helping them:

• Feel calmer and more in control
• Quiet the overthinking
• Build confidence going into exams
• Create a sense of space in their mind again

Because when the pressure lifts, even just a bit…
they can think clearer, focus better, and actually show what they’re capable of. Sometimes just having someone acknowledge the pressure they are under or putting themselves under can mean so much!

If your child is starting to feel the weight of exams already, don’t wait until it peaks.

Feel free to message me if you’d like to chat about how I can help, or please share to someone who may need some support!

It might be helpful to also comment below any coping tips that maybe helpful for young people to see.

Graham
Brave Journeys🧡

09/04/2026

What’s your comfort zone? Does it change? Over time, with the weather, how your mood is…?
Comfort zones are good places, they steady you- they help you build from somewhere safe that you know & trust. It can make the difference between starting the day well & it all beginning to fall apart before you even know what direction you’re going in.
There’s a lot said about pushing out of your comfort zone – challenging yourself, not sitting back.
There is less said about the strong foundation & to be able to push strongly & powerfully you need to have something strong and steady to push against.

It’s almost taken for granted that the foundation is already there. Have you checked it though?
Honestly when was the last time you properly stopped and asked yourself are things ok? Am I looking after myself & taking care of what I need?
It’s easy to distract, to keep busy and to keep pushing on to the next thing. Much easier than to stop, pause & ask how am I really?

If you need to pause, have a look at how things really are & check which direction you’re going in maybe our room at Thrive & the time for yourself is something that can build up that comfort zone. Who knows which direction it might take you?
I have a regular slot on Tuesday at 6.15pm or a one off slot Tuesday 14th at 5pm.
Get in touch – it could just be what’s needed.
Angela🌻
angela@bravejourneys.co.uk

08/04/2026

Over the years I’ve become someone families turn to when things feel tough for their child.

Not because I’ve got all the answers.
But because I often understand what’s really going on underneath the behaviour.

The anxiety that shows up as anger.
The overwhelm that looks like “won’t listen”.
The quiet ones who are struggling but nobody quite notices.

I work with children and young people every day, and I see patterns.
I hear the same worries.
I sit with the things they don’t always tell their parents.

And I get them!

That’s probably one of my biggest strengths!
I don’t just work with young people… I connect with them.

Through counselling, hypnotherapy, and even my work in theatre with HMTS, I’ve developed ways of helping young people feel safe enough to open up, and brave enough to start making changes.

Because when a young person feels understood, everything shifts.

If your child is struggling right now—whether it’s anxiety, school stress, friendships, or just something not quite right—you don’t have to figure it out alone.

I’m here.

Graham
Brave Journeys🧡

08/04/2026

Get your place booked now. This is going to be such a nice group and might just be the difference.

🌟 Exciting News! Brave Little Hearts is Starting! 🌟
I’m thrilled to announce our gentle, creative 6-week emotional wellbeing programme for children aged 4–8! 💛
This special programme combines storytelling, musical theatre, movement, and play to help little ones explore their emotions, build confidence, and develop resilience—all in a fun, safe, and nurturing space. Each week we’ll explore a new theme:

🌈 Meeting Our Feelings
🔥 Big Feelings – Sad and Angry
🌬 Worry and Courage
🤝 Kindness and Friendship
🎤 Finding My Voice – Confidence
🎉 Celebration Week – recognising how far they’ve come..

✨ Plus, a short play in the soft play area each session to make learning and self-expression extra fun!

📅 When: Starting 20th April, 4–5pm
📍 Where: The Clubhouse, Station Rd, Ellon
💰 Cost: £50 for the full 6-week block

Spaces are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.
If you’d like your child to be part of this nurturing, confidence-building journey, Please use the following link to book:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/4QjNuq3pAm

Please share this post with someone who may need it—we’d love to help as many Brave Little Hearts shine as possible! 🌟
“Helping children understand themselves in ways that will support them for years to come.”

literacy Suzanne Clubb, The Club Hoose

08/04/2026

Just over seven weeks into starting my client work alongside Graham at Brave Journeys, and I honestly can’t believe how quickly the time has flown by.

It’s only now that I’m finding a moment to pause and share a little update. I feel very settled in our space, and proud to be part of this amazing team. I love working with clients to move through the challenges we all meet - no two sessions are ever the same - watching hesitancy turn into confidence, anxiety into calm, and stress begin to lift is incredibly rewarding.

I like gentle starts, breaking things down into parts, releasing some of the overwhelm which seems to be part of everyday life now. Brave Journeys reflects this already and I am delighted to have found this calm space which shares my values in how counselling can provide valuable support in so many ways.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll have a

Tuesday appointment available at 6.15pm.

If you’ve been considering counselling and would welcome a gentle space to pause and offload some of the stress you’ve been carrying, please feel free to get in touch.

I’m an empathic, non‑judgmental person. (No perfection here!) Whether you’re looking for a one‑off session to clear your head or ongoing support around something specific, the space is yours. We’ll work together at your pace to move through whatever difficulties you’re facing.

Support is here if you’d like to take that first step. angela@bravejourneys.co.uk

Spring beginning in my garden below - football provided by overexcited pets🌼

07/04/2026

🌿 Therapy Room Available to Rent – Thrive Ellon 🌿
Looking for a calm, welcoming space to see your clients?
At Thrive Ellon, we have a lovely, warm therapy room available to rent on Mondays or Fridays. The space is ideal for therapists, counsellors, or wellbeing practitioners seeking a peaceful and professional environment.

✨ What’s on offer:
Comfortable, fully furnished therapy room
Warm, inviting atmosphere
Quiet setting conducive to client work
Flexible weekly rental (Monday or Friday)
Low cost rent includes All bills (electric, Water, Internet)

This space would suit someone looking to grow their practice within a supportive wellbeing setting.

📩 Get in touch to find out more or arrange a viewing.

07/04/2026

I’ve got quite a few counselling slots available this week…

Which means there’s a very real risk I’ll be forced into doing chores at home.

We’re talking grass cutting, weeding, cleaning gutters, Tidying. Possibly even tackling that cupboard. (Eugh…….👀)

So if you’ve been thinking about counselling, now might be the perfect time to get in touch… not just for yourself, but to save me from a life of domestic productivity. 😬

In all seriousness, if something’s been on your mind, I’m here. No pressure, just a space to talk.

Message me if you’d like to book in.

Graham. 🧡
Brave journeys

06/04/2026

Top 5 Benefits of Brave Journeys for Families in Ellon and Beyond

At Brave Journeys, we understand that family life can feel complicated at times. Many of the families we work with are doing everything they can, yet still finding things overwhelming beneath the surface. Seeking support isn’t about something being “wrong”—it’s about creating space for things to feel easier, more understood, and more connected.
Here are five of the ways we support families here in Ellon and across Aberdeenshire:

1. A safe, supportive space to be yourselves
We provide a calm, welcoming environment where children, young people, and parents can talk openly. There’s no pressure to have the right words—just space to be heard and understood.

2. Support for children and young people with big feelings
Whether it’s anxiety, low mood, or emotional overwhelm, we gently help young people explore and make sense of what they’re feeling, building confidence and coping strategies along the way.

3. Strengthening relationships within the family
When one person is struggling, it often impacts everyone. We work with families to improve communication, deepen understanding, and rebuild those important connections.

4. Local, accessible support in Ellon
Being based in Ellon means families across Aberdeenshire can access support that’s close to home—without added stress or long waits. We also have the access for all fund which can help with the cost - if needed - of therapy, offering part or fully funded sessions.....
So cost is not a barrier!

5. Encouraging positive, lasting change
Our work isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about helping families move forward in a way that feels manageable and sustainable—feeling more connected, more confident, and more hopeful.

If you’ve been considering support for your family, this could be a gentle first step. You’re always welcome to reach out 🌿

We are here for you.

06/04/2026

I am absolutely delighted to share that Brave Journeys is sponsoring the Barra Races Fun Run this year, because this event isn’t just about running.

It’s about community, challenge, and giving something a go… whether that’s your first ever race or pushing yourself that wee bit further. All while raising money in a wee angels name that has helped so many families at their worst possible times imaginable.

This year the event is the biggest yet, with something for everyone:

🏃‍♂️ the Brave Journeys Junior Fun Runs for the younger ones
🏃 5K and 10K options
🌊 And for the first time ever… the Ocean Installer Barra Half Marathon

So whether you’re lacing up for fun, fitness, or a personal challenge, there’s a place for you.

And let’s be honest… spaces will go quickly…
so get signed up before they all run out (sorry… had to 😄)

Have a look through the details below and find the race that’s right for you 👇
,

04/04/2026

Nobody really prepares you for the later primary or secondary school years.

Not the timetable.
Not the homework.
Not even the clubs or exams.

It’s the friendships.

One day your child is laughing with their pals.
Next day they walk into school and something’s… shifted.

No one tells them what.
No one explains why.

The group chat goes quiet.
Plans happen without them.
Seats at lunch are suddenly “taken”.

And the hardest bit?

They’ll come home and say they’re fine.

But you can see it.
In their face. In the way they shrug things off. In the silence.

Because young people at this age aren’t just learning subjects.

They’re trying to work out where they fit.
Who’s in. Who’s out.
Who gets to decide.

Girls often feel it in the shifting friendships, the whispers, the being left out.

Boys feel it too… just differently.
Less likely to talk about it. More likely to bottle it up, brush it off, or carry it quietly.

But it’s there.

And sometimes the strongest ones are the ones sitting there wondering what they did wrong.

When the truth is…

They didn’t do anything wrong.

They’ve just come up against something tough
— people confusing popularity with power.

This post actually comes from something really special this week at HMTS.

During our Easter camp, And Still Being Written, we spent time exploring the real stuff that affects children and young people growing up. Not just the performance side, but the deeper themes… how often they feel like their lives are already planned out for them, or that they have to live up to expectations once they step outside the safety of home.

The conversations were honest, thoughtful, and at times quite moving.
And they’ve stayed with me.
This post is really a reflection of that.

So if you’re raising a young person going through this just now, remind them:

They don’t need to make themselves smaller just to belong.
They don’t need to chase a seat at a table that keeps pushing them away.

The right friends won’t leave them questioning their worth.

And one day, they’ll see it clearly:

Being kind. Being loyal. Being real.
That’s what actually matters.

Even if it takes a few hard school years to understand it.

, , , ,