An innovative organisation funded by Help for Heroes, which helps injured veterans on the road to recovery through mountain challenges, is setting up a base in the Scottish Highlands.
Adventure Quest UK, a community interest company, will provide a therapeutic rehabilitation programme for forces veterans with serious mental health conditions or injuries as a result of their service.
Adventure Quest began receiving grant funding from Help for Heroes in May 2012 and the charity has so far provided £484,000 of funding, including a recent commitment to fund £289,000 over the next three years.
The programme – the first of its kind in Scotland – is based in Cannich, near Beauly, Inverness-shire and in courses ranging from three to six days participants learn mountain skills including map reading, rope work, reading weather charts, and geology.
Managing director Paul Lefever said: “We run courses in Wales and the Lake District but the Scottish Highlands are so much bigger and have so much more variety.
“There are Munros, glens and lochs all within easy reach. The area is particularly good for winter courses and other activities that are really popular – there is nowhere else in the UK that comes close.
“The course is unique in that it has been specifically devised for people experiencing mental ill health and delivered by people who understand the difficulties that many face when leaving the armed forces.”
One Angus veteran, who was diagnosed with PTSD in 2011 and prefers not to be named, said he had benefitted so much from the trips that he is now doing his mountain leader qualification.
He said: “It’s been brilliant. It gives me something to look forward to; I’ve got fitter, rediscovered my love of the mountains and made new friends. It is one of the best things I’ve done and I can build my recovery around it.”
Help for Heroes is keen to promote the benefits of Adventure Quest UK as part of an awareness-raising campaign around its mental health service, Hidden Wounds, which provides free and confidential support to former service personnel, their families and the families of those still serving, who are living with anxiety, depression, stress, anger or alcohol issues.
Paul Lefever added: “The road to recovery is often complex and not a linear path – we are more flexible in our approach.
Paul said: “The financial backing, support and guidance from Help for Heroes means we can keep the groups small which is very beneficial for those taking part, especially those with complex needs: it means we really can tailor things for the individual.
“Help for Heroes has supported Adventure Quest UK from the outset and continue to enable us to extend our reach by supporting this opportunity for Scottish veterans.”
