Adventure Workshops

Trekking Encounters is a specialist provider of treks and expeditions to the Nepal Himalayas, and the company has, through its main business become heavily involved with two social schemes in Nepal, the Bright Land School in Kathmandu and KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project). This has led to the formation of the scheme which will help disadvantaged people in Perth and Kinross gain employment skills in a unique way.

Discussions between Perth and Kinross Council and Trekking Encounters identified a common goal and a strong wish to help people of all ages and backgrounds to build their self esteem, self worth and confidence through challenging activities in and around Perth. Initially the company will work with local support organisations to identify 12 people whom it is felt would benefit most from the scheme.

To prepare the participants, Trekking Encounters will lead a series of adventure workshops to equip each person with the right mindset and attitude to meet the challenge ahead. These will be teamwork based designed specifically to build self-esteem, self belief, self confidence and leadership skills.

Part of the workshops will involve the participants walking the Cateran Trail, which runs through Blairgowrie and East Perthshire, in stages and at the end of the experience each person will receive a signed certificate marking the end of their first journey and the start of their ultimate aim, to undertake a trek to Everest Base Camp in October 2010, and while in Nepal, to also get actively involved in the Bright Land School and KEEP.

From left - Councillor Bob Ellis, Economic Development Officer Shelly Hague, Fraser & Sue Williams & Mr John Swinney

Local Councillor Bob Ellis, who is supporting the project through his involvement with the Cateran Trail, met Sue and Fraser Williams from Trekking Encounters and MSP for North Tayside John Swinney to highlight the creation of this latest enterprise in Perth and Kinross.

Sue & Fraser at the start of the Cateran Trail

Councillor Ellis commented, “This is a fantastic idea that the council and Trekking Encounters have come up with. Working closely together, the council and Trekking Encounters will give a life- changing opportunity to people in our local communities. “This is a very different way of helping and motivating people back into employment and I will be giving every support I can to the project.”

Mr Swinney added: “I am delighted to see this developing in East Perthshire and I am sure this will make an excellent contribution to the local economy. “We live in a time when we need real innovation in our business development and I am sure Trekking Encounters will help to deliver this.”

Sue Williams said, “Our experience shows us that by undertaking adventure activities in Scotland and Nepal, and linking these directly with the social aspects of Nepal, it is absolutely life changing. We think it is tremendous that the council have had the vision to support this project. The Social Economy Partnership has given us considerable help in the development of the social enterprise through funding and business support.”

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