AN innovative organisation which helps injured veterans on the road to recovery through mountain challenges is setting up a base in the Scottish Highlands.
The Adventure Quest programme – the first of its kind in Scotland – is based at Cannich, near Beauly, and gives wounded, sick and injured veterans the opportunity to learn mountain skills such as map reading, rope work, reading weather charts, and geology. Courses, ranging from three to six days, can be adapted for those with physical injuries, including amputees.
Funded by Help for Heroes, Adventure Quest UK, which has run seven courses in the Highlands so far, is so impressed by the natural landscape on offer that they have set up a permanent base there and want to encourage more Scottish veterans to take part in their courses.
“We run courses in Wales and the Lake District but the Scottish Highlands are so much bigger and have so much more variety,” said managing director Paul Lefevre. “There are Munros, glens and lochs all within easy reach. The area is particularly good for winter courses and other activities that are really popular. There is nowhere else in the UK that comes close.
“The course is unique in that it has been specifically devised for people experiencing mental ill health and delivered by people who understand the difficulties that many face when leaving the armed forces.”
Up to 12 veterans, accompanied by an Adventure Quest leader, journey into the hills on foot, by bike or canoe for a few days at a time, learning bushcraft skills and coping strategies to help manage their mental health.
Those seeking employment have the opportunity to mentor new course participants and meet specialist recruitment organisations that can provide them with guidance and support in finding a job.
Along with promoting the benefits of Adventure Quest UK, Help for Heroes has launched a campaign this week to raise awareness of its mental health service, Hidden Wounds, which provides free and confidential support to former service personnel, their families and the families of those still serving, who are living with anxiety, depression, stress, anger or alcohol issues.
Claire Barnes, head of grants at Help for Heroes, said the charity was proud to be supporting the work of Adventure Quest UK.
“It provides inspiration, social integration and the potential for a second fulfilling career in a safe, skilled and supportive environment,” she said. “It’s fantastic to see Paul taking the course to the Highlands, providing further opportunities for our wounded, injured and sick Scottish veterans.”
A community interest company, Adventure Quest began receiving grant funding from Help for Heroes in 2012 and the charity has so far provided £484,000 of funding, including a recent commitment to provide £289,000 over the next three years.
“The financial backing, support and guidance from Help for Heroes means we can keep the groups small which is very beneficial for those taking part, especially those with complex needs: it means we really can tailor things for the individual,” said Lefevre.
“Developing a respectful relationship with the natural world is recognised as being beneficial to a person’s mental and physical well-being. We pay specific attention to providing practical application of leadership skills and focus on building self-awareness, self-development and personal motivation."
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