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Trades House's ‘Big Project’ designed to help shape youngster’s futures

The Trades House of Glasgow’s ‘Big Project’ launched on Monday (16 September 2019), with 160 pupils from High Schools in

Drumchapel, Lochend, Castlemilk and Govan each participating in 3 days of residential outdoor activities taking place over a fortnight.

The 13 and 14 year old pupils were selected by their schools according to who would benefit most from the outdoor experiences. The activities they are participating in (including abseiling, pole climbing, laser tag, kayaking and shelter building) were chosen to improve the youngsters’ confidence, behaviour, social/team skills and give them an increased sense of responsibility. The first week is underway at Auchengillan Outdoor Centre near Drymen and the second week takes place at Dumfries House.

This is Phase 1 of the Big Project sponsored by Trades House, which has donated £30,000 to fund it and have also

committed to give another £30,000 for new groups of children to enjoy similar experiences in June 2020.

Duncan Tannahill, Chairperson of the Trades House Charities Committee who is leading the ‘Big Project’, said: “We are delighted that so many pupils will experience and hopefully benefit from these residential trips. Some children are not able to take part in these sort of opportunities due perhaps to financial constraints or a lack in confidence. The purpose of the ‘Big Project’ is to ensure that those who will benefit most will be able to go and enjoy being part of a challenging but fun environment.”

Tom McInally, Deacon Convener of Trades House, said; “I grew up in Govan and was fortunate to enjoy and take part in various groups and sports which helped give me self-confidence and team skills. I believe that these experiences really helped shaped my future; they were incredibly important to me and I hope that the Big Project helps spark the same flame in some of these young people.”

It is anticipated that the second phase of the Big Project will involve fundraising for a large development of £1.0m+ to build a log cabin type centre for young people to use throughout the year with a central multipurpose building for indoor activities.

The site would provide recreation space away from inner-city living and include access to sports, under canvas camping, life skills development, a fun environment and possible career skills.

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