2026 is starting with a lot of worrying noise.
Allies are turning into enemies. Military power, rather than international law, is increasingly dictating who does what. Tariffs are announced, reversed, then announced again. People are being shot on American streets for helping one another. There are US military build-ups in the Gulf, Epstein files being released, continued Russian aggression in Ukraine, Labour in disarray in the UK, and looming Scottish Parliament elections.
On the TV, the radio and across social media, we are being bombarded with information, and I must confess, I watch a lot of news – maybe too much – and listen to far too many podcasts about the above subjects, and while it is good to be informed, sometimes it can be too much.
But where are the voices of the people we support in all these critical changes to our world order? And, just as importantly, how are they feeling?
From what we see and hear every day, I think the best word is overwhelmed. Is it any surprise that so many are losing hope for their futures? Is it any surprise that people are withdrawing and isolating themselves from the world? And is it any surprise that suicide remains the single largest killer of people under 34?
Last week, we began our 11th (yes, our 11th!) Venture On to Recovery programme in Glasgow, and I had the privilege of being there to be part of the day. A brand-new group of people in recovery, who didn’t know each other, bravely turned up for their introduction day. With four staff and two volunteers, the day started with the usual nerves and anticipation. There was a lot of anxiety in the room, but as soon as we started talking and eating delicious breakfast rolls, things started to change. A few icebreaker games and a session on values and boundaries, and people started to relax and connect.
Of course, I’ve seen this many times before at Venture Scotland; however, it felt more profound this time. Maybe it was the quietness of the space, maybe it was the space we all gave each other to speak, maybe it was the feeling of refuge from the world outside? It’s clear to see that, more than ever, people are seeking togetherness, community and belonging.
As I sat watching, I felt hope in my heart grow as a group of people came together, connected at a deep level and set a common purpose together, underpinned by their group slogan – ‘Be United’.
Community has always been at the very heart of our organisation and has always been how we connect with people and how we instil hope in each other’s lives. And community requires respect, trust, compassion, belonging and empowerment – our Venture Scotland values.
With so much worrying noise out there in the world, it is more challenging than ever for a small charity like Venture Scotland to be heard and noticed, so at times like this, we need to call on you, our community, to support us in 2026, and there are so many ways you can help us:
- Share our message on social media by liking and sharing – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
- Use Easy Fundraising when you are buying online.
- If you can afford to, set up a small monthly donation on Just Giving.
- Nominate us for your office or business charity partnerships.
- Take on a 2026 challenge to fundraise for Venture Scotland.
2026 is going to be challenging for all of us as we navigate the changes to our world, but if you can continue to support our work, we’ll continue to build hope for the future in people’s hearts, which is needed more now than ever.
Happy New Year and thank you to every member of our community who supports us.
David Brackenridge, CEO