Partnerships

A Shared Vision

We believe that every young adult in Scotland should have the opportunity and support to make positive changes in their lives and in their world. They should have the opportunity to develop the awareness, skills and confidence to maintain and improve their physical, mental and emotional well-being – allowing them to lead a happier, healthier and more fulfilled life. Our organisational values are here.

We are keen to collaborate with like-minded charities and organisations to benefit vulnerable young people across Scotland – through collaboration, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone. 

In partnering with Venture Scotland, you gain access to our wealth of experience and resources:

  • Our dedicated staff team comprises fully qualified outdoor instructors and trauma-trained youth workers who are not only highly skilled but also deeply compassionate and committed to facilitating positive change in young people’s lives.
  • Our delivery centers in Edinburgh and Glasgow are equipped with all the necessary gear and minibuses, enabling us to deliver a diverse range of outdoor activities safely, from canoeing and rock climbing to coasteering and gorge walking.
 

But our partnership goes beyond just outdoor activities. Together, we can lead or support initiatives in outreach, fundraising, evaluation, and communication, ensuring that our collective efforts make a lasting impact on the lives of young people throughout Scotland.

Edinburgh University - Outdoor Education & Outdoor Environmental and Sustainability Education Placements

Venture Scotland and Edinburgh University have regularly joined up to create a dynamic partnership offering unique opportunities for students in MSc Outdoor Education & Outdoor Environmental and Sustainability Education programmes. Through this collaboration, students gain access to hands-on experiences with Venture Scotland, delving into outdoor adventure, mental health and wellbeing, and leadership development. 

This partnership allows students to step beyond the lecture theater and immerse themselves in real-world situations. They work alongside Venture Scotland’s experienced staff, participating in activities that range from traversing gorges to leading team-building exercises. 

Students gain an understanding of teaching approaches and outdoor styles and insights into working with young adults in outdoor environments. They also gain exposure to the operational aspects of a third-sector organisation, witnessing firsthand the delivery processes of outdoor programmes. 

And from the other side, we’ve seen numerous times how placement students bring new ideas, perspectives, and approaches to the organisation. Their fresh outlook can inspire innovation and creative problem-solving within Venture Scotland. Additionally, the students contribute their time, skills, and energy, enabling us to support more participants. Students often bring academic knowledge and training that can be directly applied to our work. 

Through this collaborative effort, Venture Scotland and Edinburgh University aim to provide students with enriching experiences based in the outdoors. 

The most rewarding aspect of my placement was witnessing participants develop self-confidence, trust in their peers, and a connection with the environment. The organisation actively valued and encouraged my contributions. They involved me in various aspects, including providing daily reviews, participating in the interview process, and even facilitating sessions. – Outdoor Education Placement Student, 2023. 

Esteem - NHS (Greater Glasgow and Clyde)

In 2021, the Esteem Team Glasgow received funding from a NHS trust and asked Venture Scotland to deliver 3x team building activity days to a group of YP, who have experienced psychotic episodes, before they embarked on a yacht voyage together. Everyone was encouraged to take part, socialise and work together even though it might have been outwith their comfort zones.
 
After the sessions, staff asked the YP to reflect on their time with VS and they said:
 
Very fun and helps to motivate you to enjoy and appreciate life and the outdoors. Great team of people, helpful and understanding. The physical activities were truly amazing. Hadn’t felt happy like I did in years.
 
They help me and good team work. I didn’t feel left out because I am hard of hearing
 
Analysis of their feedback is as follows:
  • 82% said they developed “Very Good” teamwork skills
  • 78% said they developed “Very Good” or “Excellent” ability to solve problems as a team
  • Everyone Agreed or Strongly Agreed that – “My mental/emotional health is better” and “I have gained confidence/self-esteem”
  • Everyone Agreed or Strongly Agreed that “I feel less isolated since participating in the VS programme”
  • 12/13 rated the course 5/5

Esteem staff said “All 3 days were different which kept everyone’s interest. The focus was on building confidence, teamwork and communications which it definitely delivered.”

Elevate-Glasgow, Move On & Venture Scotland

During 2021, Elevate-Glasgow, Theatre Nemo, The Village Storytelling Centre, Venture Scotland and Move On worked together to deliver a 6 week personal development course for people in recovery from addiction. Each partner delivered different sessions to develop their communication, self-confidence and life skills, supporting the individuals to progress on their path to employment.

This project was a huge success with some of the participants reflecting:

If I wasn’t on this course I would have just sat in my flat, doing nothing. It’s got me back out doing things I love and every bit of it was brilliant. I just wish we had longer

It’s given me enthusiasm again. It’s not about – will I won’t I, it’s I can, and I will. I want to take those leaps of faith again

Believing in myself more and being able to trust myself, my mental health isn’t going to stop me

As adults we often forget to be childlike and have fun, when really it’s about enthusiasm, fun, happiness and believing in yourself again

Get in Touch

If you think that our charities have a shared vision and you are keen to know how we can work together, please contact us by emailing admin@venturescotland.org.uk and we will arrange a chat with you.