The Next Steps programme provides a safe, supportive space for women, many of whom face challenging life circumstances such as homelessness, substance misuse, gender-based violence, involvement in the justice system, or trauma.
These complex experiences often impact their wellbeing and relationships, creating barriers to personal growth and stability. After an assessment period we support individuals to identify the changes they want to make in their lives and develop goals to help achieve them. During this period, we offer regular community outreach support to identify and mitigate against any barriers prior to offering a supportive Wilderness Journey usually in the highlands of Scotland.
The Wilderness Journey focuses on supporting individuals to develop skills and strategies to cope with their situation at home. Further outreach support back in their local community encourages progression and embedding positive changes. We champion prevention and rehabilitation by supporting women involved in criminal justice to tackle complex circumstances and experiences which cause, or may cause them to offend.
By accessing greenspaces and the wilderness, individuals experience the grounding benefits of nature, which clears a busy mind and brings feelings of calm and stability for people who regularly experience high levels of stress and chaos at home. By giving these women time to reflect they build self-awareness around their habits and behaviours and awareness of their environment which may cause them to offend.
Our services provide support for up to 9 months helping individuals to make and sustain connections to services and employment, education, training or volunteering opportunities within their communities.
Note: Venture Trust does not currently work with registered sex offenders, those on pending sexual offence charges, or those subject to Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA).
Age range: 16+
Location: Across Scotland
Who it's for: Women facing challenging life circumstances such as homelessness, substance misuse, gender-based violence, involvement in the justice system, or trauma.
