What is Venture Trust offering you?
- Up to 360 hours of FREE personal development support.
- Employability training and a personal action plan to help you make positive changes in your life.
- One of four FREE courses, depending on your situation:
How do you get on a course?
If you're aged 16 - 25 and have a social worker or key worker (your 'referrer'), all you need do is tell them you want to come, and why. They'll get in touch with us and help you with the application. When we receive your completed form, someone from Venture Trust will call you and your referrer for a chat.
Where's Applecross?
On the North West coast of Scotland, overlooking the Isle of Skye. The nearest big town is Inverness, 90 miles away. Applecross means 'The Sanctuary' in Gaelic. It's a tiny place, with just one shop and a small hotel.
How will you get there?
Your referrer will arrange for you to travel by train to Inverness. Venture Trust staff will meet you at the station to drive you to the centre.
Where will you stay?
In an 18th century hunting lodge in a remote valley, about half a mile from the sea. There's no mobile reception, but there is a payphone. When you're at the centre all your food will be cooked for you. You'll be expected to help keep the place clean and tidy.
Who else is on the course?
People like you! - people aged 16 to 25 who want to make changes in their lives. During your stay you'll share a bedroom with up to three other people. The rooms are arranged before you arrive - all you have to do is find your name on a door and choose a bed.
What will you be doing?
You'll face a variety of gentle challenges that will help you develop in important areas of your life, like being confident, motivated, looking after yourself, and getting along with others. You might be canoeing, climbing, abseiling, hillwalking, gorge walking, coasteering, conserving, constructing, crafting or painting. You'll definitely be problem-solving and teaming. You'll go on wilderness journeys that involve staying in tents or shelters. And each day you'll have a review where you'll find out more about yourself and the others.
What if you have to leave early?
Before coming to Applecross you sign an agreement committing yourself to the full course. However, we realise there are times when people, for various reasons, have to leave early. In these cases we work with your referrer to help get you home.
What are the conditions of attendance?
They're simple: no drugs, no alcohol, no theft, no threatening/violent behaviour, and no exclusive/sexual relationships. They are there for everybody's safety and development. If you choose not to keep them, you may be sent home. So before you come on a course you should think seriously about your ability to live within these conditions.
What about your benefits?
You'll still get benefits while on the course, but as soon as you've been offered a place you must visit your benefits office to sign form JSA 460. We'll send your referrer information about this, and they'll give you any help you need.
What should you bring?
Applecross is one of the wettest places in the U.K., and even in summer it can be cold in the mountains, so it's important to try and bring everything on the clothing list that will be sent to you. You might need time to find or borrow things, so don't leave it to the last minute. If you can't get some things, give us a ring and we'll try to help out. We do supply all your outdoor kit, including boots, waterproofs and equipment. There's no network coverage for mobile phones, and MP3 players/ipods aren't allowed during sessions.