Venture Trust's programmes work

“Venture Trust’s programmes are not easy, nor are they quick fixes. But if I have learned one thing, from years of working with this very special organisation, it is this: Venture Trust’s programmes work."

- Sheriff David N Mackie (Former Chairman)

Measuring our successes

We've developed an extensive monitoring framework, which helps us to build up an accurate picture of the progress made by our participants. It allows us to measure the effectiveness of our programmes, and also acts as a 'record of achievement' for our participants.

What we're achieving

Since December 2007 (when our current monitoring and evaluation system began), Venture Trust has:

• Identified and assessed almost 2,000 people referred to our programmes.
• Provided wilderness-centred personal development support to over 600 people.
• Enabled more than three quarters of those completing wilderness journeys to improve their confidence and employability, and helped more than half to make better use of local services and support in their communities.

Last year's highlights

In 2010/11, we were proud to have connected with over 860 participants and potential participants – a 40% increase on the previous year.

• Our Inspiring Young Futures programme helped young people leaving care be twice as successful as the national average when it comes to achieving and sustaining 'positive destinations' in employment, education, training or voluntary work.
• We launched a new and exciting new programme, supporting women of all ages whose extremely difficult pasts had led to their involvement in offending, substance misuse and abusive relationships.
• We developed our first international programme - supporting over 65 young men in Kachere Juvenile Prison in Lilongwe, Malawi.
• We helped young people reach other services and opportunities in their communities, though our network of over 200 referrers and partners.

"Completing this course has made me look at my life back home and has made me think about what I really want in life. I am now going home with a full tool box of skills that I never had previously"

– Venture Trust participant, August 2009

But there are many more who need our help

In 2010/11, Venture Trust’s outreach teams connected with over 860 participants and potential participants. However, there are many more individuals out there who, with the right support, could make and sustain positive changes in their lives. Unemployment in the UK is at its highest level in 17 years, and only 29% of care leavers are in education, employment or training aged 19.

Between 2011 and 2014, we aim to support over 1,500 men and women through our wilderness personal development journeys and outreach support. You can help us make this happen. Please get involved, or donate now.