Aaron’s journey with Venture Scotland is a story of resilience and transformation. After struggling with bullying and anxiety, he joined the programme to improve his mental health and find a place where he could truly belong. Through outdoor challenges and new experiences, Aaron gained confidence, made lasting friendships, and embraced personal growth. Read on to hear Aaron’s story…
I came to Venture Scotland as I wanted somewhere to fit in. I wanted to be more active and find a group I could be myself with. I also wanted to think more positively and improve my mental health.
I had a bad experience at secondary school being bullied and I dropped out during S3 and because of this I missed many opportunities, lost touch with friends and my mental health got much worse. I used to shut myself away in my room and became very depressed – I lost all confidence and became anxious in social situations.
I began looking for ways to improve my situation and meet new people. I looked for local opportunities and Venture Scotland caught my eye – the length of the programme interested me a lot.
In Challenge (the first stage of the programme), I didn’t really know what I was getting into – I was really nervous and shy to begin with but in reality, the time at the bothy is so useful as it forces you to get to know strangers.
Also I don’t really cook when I’m at home but at the bothy you are pushed out of your comfort zone – I was afraid of making mistakes when cooking but VS staff and volunteers supported me through this. After Challenge, I felt a real sense of achievement.
In Discover (the second stage of the programme), I was introduced to theories I had never even heard of as well as doing lots of exciting outdoor activities. I loved all the water-based activities as the mixture of having fun whilst putting trust in others really helps you to feel more comfortable with new people. My favorite activity was definitely coasteering – jumping in the cold water and feeling the cold rush over me was amazing!
In Discover, I had my first experience at the Glen Etive bothy. The views are amazing, and I felt so happy to be able to see more of Scotland. We had some very powerful chats, and the group bonded even more. I learnt the famous VS bothy games – Polar Bears, Triangles and of course, Spoons and we had many many laughs. After the bothy trip, I felt very giddy and felt like I had the confidence to do anything – I even had the confidence to sing out loud on the back of the bus!
In between Discover and Empower – I went out a lot more and signed up to Street Soccer, I became fitter and I made some great new friends (shout-out to Lewis).
I kept in touch with group members but I was so excited to be at VS every week and see them regularly again.
In Empower (the third stage of the programme), staying around Edinburgh was very good as it showed me things and places I could do and go to in my own time. I especially enjoyed camping in the Pentlands and making our way up there by walking and taking the bus. I really enjoyed bivving for the first time and planning with Martyn to kill Dan so we had more Pesto Pasta to eat!!
As I think about the future I have mixed feelings, I am afraid of leaving the group and the connections we’ve made – I wish I could be at VS forever. However, I am looking forward to continuing to be more confident, to continue putting myself out there more and to continue to be open to what life brings.
When I think about how I have changed it is hard to put into words sometimes – I don’t know where I’d be without VS. Thanks to VS and doing the programme I am now more motivated to do positive things. The activities and walking have helped me get fitter, lose weight and have a better mindset. For example, I would never have gone to the gym prior to my time at VS or I would have never made new friends and put myself out there.
I have been telling friends about VS and they say “sounds great” and it seems to have improved my confidence and I definitely agree!