October 2022 marked an important milestone for Venture Trust – our 40th birthday. Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of people to make positive changes in their lives. To celebrate, we’ve decided to reflect on where we came from, and where we are now, by sharing the history of Venture Trust. Where we came from Early … Read more
‘My time on the Venture Trust wilderness journey was very good – I had a lot of fun with everyone who was there. I got a lot out of it, improving my social skills and learning that it’s worth it to keep going and push through harder situations.’ Ian was living in a rural village … Read more
What impact does Venture Trust and the Living Wild programme have? This is Scott’s story. “I’ve gotten more out of this 10-day journey than I did the years spent in prison.” For a long time, Scott had struggled with substance and alcohol abuse, picking up several charges as a result, including a custodial sentence. After … Read more
Written by John Scott, QC Solicitor Advocate The High Court approved the Scottish Sentencing Council’s sentencing young people guideline, which distils the High Court’s guidance, together with the findings of a wide range of research on offending by young people, into a concise and accessible document. Our sentencers – judges, sheriffs, and justices of the … Read more
A bothy is a place waymarked on a map for individuals who have a common goal – spending time in the outdoors – to come together for shelter, warmth or to recuperate. When we have navigated the trails and reach the bothy, we know we will find a place to meet our needs. Is this the same for navigating … Read more
Laurence was in a harmful cycle of problem substance use and time spent in prison. Prompted by lockdown 2020 and turning 40, Laurence began to reevaluate his life and decided it was time he create positive change. He was referred to our Living Wild programme, designed for people with experience in the criminal justice … Read more
The impacts of COVID-19 and lockdown have been felt across Scotland and its communities by disrupting criminal justice services. Reduced social contact, self-isolation and disruption of services has had a disproportionate effect on people who were already struggling with complex life circumstances. This includes people caught up in Scotland’s criminal justice system and their ability to access the support they need. Restrictions needed to … Read more
What happens when for almost a year people are required to stay apart, to limit social contact and communicate largely via digital channels – if they have the means to do so? The lack of interaction encourages people to become introverted and can lead to increased social anxiety. It also cuts them off from opportunities … Read more
It has been a hugely challenging year for our participants, staff and the wider network of partners and funders we work with. However, it has been inspiring to see the response from organisations and the people working to make Scotland a safer, more equal and healthier country. COVID-19 has had a disproportionate effect on people … Read more
Keep in touch with what's going on at Venture Trust, read inspiring stories about our participants, and find out how you can get involved in supporting us.
