News
Alien Rock collaboration is out of this world!
SVR residents and staff are rising to a new challenge, as the charity embarks on a new collaboration with popular Edinburgh climbing facility Alien Rock.
Following on from another hugely successful residential activities trip to Royal Deeside last autumn, in conjunction with of our friends and hosts at Crathie Opportunity Holidays, three SVR staff members and three residents attended a course at the Alien Rock climbing centre in Newhaven.
Led by instructor David, our six intrepid students all learned how to tie-in, belay and climb safely at the fantastic facility, situated in a converted old church, 10 minutes drive from our Edinburgh residence, Whitefoord House. The result is that each of them will now be allowed to each take two beginners climbing at the centre.
The course marked the start of a positive new collaboration with Alien Rock, that was set up more than 20- years ago by former Royal Navy sailors, Reuben Welch and Steve Irvine and a third businessman, Malcolm Davies.
Going forward, Scottish Veterans Residences will be looking to use the facility most weeks to help veterans gain confidence and increase their social skills as part of our burgeoning activities’ programme.
Whitefoord-based Activities Officer James Moncur, whose post is kindly part-funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, said: “The collaboration between SVR and Alien Rock is very welcome and has come as the charity’s activities programme in Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow, goes from strength to strength.
“Climbing is a superb way for residents to not only gain in self confidence and improve their social skills but also learn to trust one another. Alien Rock is a great facility in the community and will quickly become a key cog in the positive development of our residents’ futures. It is run by like-minded people who ‘get’ military men and women and the day-to-day challenges they face.”
If you have an activities idea or collaboration you would like to discuss with our team, please contact James at james.moncur@svronline.org or Darren at darren.morgan@svronline.org