Young people from Milton and Possilpark enjoyed a summer packed with outdoor adventure, residential trips and new experiences thanks to the efforts of theGKexperience.
Working with around 80 young people aged eight to 25, theGKexperience supports those facing challenges linked to poverty. It does this through locally based youth work, outdoor residential experiences, leadership development and community projects. The charity focuses on helping young people build confidence and resilience while developing long-term supportive relationships.
This year’s summer programme included a residential trip to Aberfeldy, a mountain biking trip to the Cairngorms, a girls’ road trip to Arran and a series of day trips.
As well as the outdoor activities, the youngsters prepared meals together, learned new practical skills and took part in experiences that would otherwise have been beyond reach for many families.
The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust supported this year’s programme with a donation of £1,200 towards the overall cost of the summer activities.
John Kewley, Chief Executive of theGKexperience, said: “We were delighted to receive a grant from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust towards the cost of our summer programme. The funding helped to provide young people from the local communities of Milton and Possilpark with exciting, memorable, fun day trips and residential experiences.
“These trips help to reduce isolation, build confidence and improve physical and mental health. Our participants benefitted from regular activity, meals and opportunities to try exciting new things like paddleboarding and mountain biking whilst exploring some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes.”
David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles, said: “We are delighted to have supported theGKexperience’s summer programme and the opportunities it created for young people from Milton and Possilpark. Experiences like these help young people to discover what they can achieve when they are given the chance to step outside their everyday surroundings and are properly supported.”
The impact of the programme will continue long after the summer, with participants returning home having developed new skills, stronger friendships and greater confidence in themselves and their future.
