The Chance for Change (Scotland) Programme

• Provides 360 hours of free personal development support to offenders aged 16-25 on probation in Scotland.
• Is designed to complement a probation order and address the wide range of needs of young people referred by criminal justice agencies.
• Is built around an intensive three-week residential course at Venture Trust's centre in the North West Highlands.
• Provides employability training, and a tailored action plan to help young people lift themselves out of a negative cycle of behaviour.
• Is proven to be 15% better at reducing reconvictions than other interventions for the same population.
• Is shown to have a powerful effect on building young people's sense of self-worth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can I refer?
Any young person aged 16 - 25 on probation in Scotland who you think will benefit from our programme.

Who pays for it?
The Scottish Government, with additional support from European Social Funds and Cashback for Communities. The only expense for the referring agency is travel to/from Inverness train station. We supply everything else - food, accommodation, outdoor clothing and equipment.

How do the young people get there?
We pick them up from Inverness station and drive them over the mountains to Applecross.

Will I be kept informed of the young person’s progress?
Yes. Staff will call you with an update mid-course, and you are free to phone the centre any time.

Can I refer a young person on a methadone programme?
Yes. A young person on a stable methadone programme will be considered for the course. Please contact us for details.