- Case Studies (you are here)
- Artists Unlimited, Edinburgh
- £8,000 award for Maybole One Stop Shop
- Backgreens Initiative
- Charleston Healthy Action Troopers, Dundee
- Food First, Inverness
- Maritime Rescue Institute, Stonehaven
- Rag Tag 'N' Textile, Kyle of Lochalsh
- Richmond's Hope, Edinburgh
- Stepping Stones, Girvan
- The Journey, Venture Scotland (you are here)
- Thornton Rose Ride-Ability, Midlothian
- Turning Point Craft Initiative, Shetland
Case Studies
The Journey, Venture Scotland
Natalie, graduate of The Journey
Before Venture Scotland I had no confidence in myself and I used to be up to no good and get into trouble all the time with the police.
Last year, the VOLANT Charitable Trust chose to support The Journey, a project run by Venture Scotland. The planned structure of The Journey encourages regular attendance, acceptable behaviour, structured activity and working in teams through classroom-based and outdoor activities.
One successful graduate of The Journey is Natalie, a 17-year-old living in a children’s unit in Glasgow. Natalie’s childhood was seriously affected by her parents’ dependence on heroin, her mum died of an overdose two years ago. Subsequently, Natalie's self-esteem plummeted and she began self-harming. At one point, she was in constant trouble with the police and in danger of being sent to a secure unit.
When Natalie turned 17, she realised that she was no longer a child, and as a young adult she needed to take responsibility for her own actions. This was how she got involved with The Journey.
Natalie’s Story
"Before Venture Scotland I had no confidence in myself and I used to be up to no good and get into trouble all the time with the police. I used to think little of myself and didn’t think I was worthy. When I heard of Venture Scotland I thought I would give it a bash and see what it was all about. I was really nervous about going but I’m glad I went now.
"Venture Scotland has made a big impact on my life. It made me a more confident person and a more mature young adult. I met a lot of lovely people that have been very supportive. I can be myself around them and I’ve made a lot of friends. They’ve stuck by me whatever situation I’ve been in and helped me when I’ve been struggling with stuff at home.
"The outdoor activities are amazing. It’s brilliant when we’re out on the water with the beautiful views and the sun beaming on us.
"Best of all is going away to the Bothy when you’re just away from the real world for a couple of days. Everyone can be themselves and it’s brilliant when you see everybody laughing and joking. The Journey has been an amazing experience I’ll never forget about it."
Taking part in The Journey