Leadership & challenge accreditation awarded to Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) at Loch Eil

Overview

A total of 104 youth volunteers from across Scotland attended an SCQF accredited Adventure and Challenge Award course at the Outward Bound Trust, Loch Eil near Forth William.   

Their deployment built upon the good practice of previous activities undetaken by national or local PSYV groups; bringing together a group of young people to experience the benefits of working together and having the opportunity to develop new skills, as well as the opportunity to gain accedited learning.  

“It's an amazing experience, one nobody should turn down, you meet so many new people and learn more about yourself and who you are.”

The challenge enabled the young people to increase their self-confidence, self-esteem, improve teamwork, communication skills, develop leadership skills, increase resilience and coping skills, and form lifelong friendships.

During the week the groups undertook many activities including:

• Orienteering
• Shelter building
• Rock Climbing
• Kayaking
• Gorge walking
• Overnight expedition.

“I will highlight it in any future applications to college and also school. I would like to apply to the police so I think it has shown me the perseverance I need for future and it has helped me grow myself too."

On completion, each young person who completed the course was awarded an accredited SCQF Adventure & Challenge Award at Level 5.

Background information

• Around 40% of participants live in areas affected by poverty; Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation Quintiles 1 and 2. 
• There was no cost to individual participants - acknowledging that cost should not be a barrier to participation. 
• PSYV young people come from a range of diverse backgrounds in terms of both protected characteristics and young people who have care experience.  
• Four police officers and five adult volunteers supported young people taking part.