Printed on 26 February 2025
4 minutes learn
An ecumenical charity is offering free rock-climbing experiences to assist weak individuals “construct a brighter future”.
East Ayrshire Church buildings Homelessness Motion (EACHa) runs the New Heights programme in Kilmarnock, which makes use of bodily and psychological challenges to advertise resilience and self-confidence amongst people who find themselves recovering from substance abuse.
Described as a “highly effective device for transformation”, the undertaking is run in partnership with Above Journey, a local people climbing organisation based mostly in a former church constructing which provides a variety of actions to individuals who stay in a few of Kilmarnock’s most disadvantaged communities.
The schedule between February and June options – climbing, soccer, badminton, canoeing, bushcraft, abseiling, axe throwing, paddle boarding, golf and go-karting, archery, orienteering and strolling excursions.
With the steerage of professional coaches and volunteers, between 15 and 20 individuals, lots of whom have skilled homelessness and stay with psychological well being difficulties, participate in every occasion.
They’re inspired to push their boundaries and develop new abilities to assist them turn out to be the very best variations of themselves.
Along with enhancing bodily well being, the undertaking, which began as a pilot, goals to revive hope, nurture potential, foster group belonging and reveal God’s love by motion.
EACHa not too long ago acquired a £9,886 grant from the Nationwide Lottery to fund the programme for 12 months.
Established in 2005 by Rev David Cameron, minister of New Laigh Kirk in Kilmarnock, the charity works with round 20 different church buildings of various denominations from the native space.
It has been recognised within the Scottish Parliament for its work on the New Heights programme.
A movement lodged by south of Scotland Conservative MSP Brian Whittle, and backed by cross-party members, commends EACHa for utilizing “outside actions to develop life abilities, and support the restoration journey” and on “its efforts to advertise restoration by inclusion”.
EACHa’s 2024 social impression report states: “Members are inspired to push their boundaries, develop new abilities and discover empowerment in overcoming challenges.
“Via a supportive group of friends and volunteers, New Heights offers a community of encouragement.
“Many individuals discover inspiration in shared experiences, serving to them keep motivated and dedicated to their private restoration targets.
“The programme not solely helps bodily exercise but additionally focuses on constructing life abilities and fostering self-worth.
“Members study teamwork, goal-setting and perseverance—abilities which might be important for restoration and reintegration into the group.”
Restoration and group reintegration
The report stated a complete of 61 individuals took half within the undertaking in 2024 with one saying: “New Heights confirmed me I am able to greater than I ever thought and I am climbing towards a greater future.”
Kris Fearon, improvement supervisor for EACHa, stated: “We wish to prolong our heartfelt due to Brian Whittle MSP, for his movement lodged within the Scottish Parliament, which recognises the impression of New Heights.
“We’re deeply grateful for this recognition and ongoing help.
“We’re thrilled to have secured funding to increase this initiative for the following 12 months and we look ahead to seeing the impression New Heights could have on individuals’s lives.”
Mr Fearon stated Kilmarnock, significantly the areas of Shortlees and Onthank, ranks among the many prime 5% of the Scottish A number of Deprivation Index.
“This excessive stage of deprivation typically results in social challenges corresponding to youth disengagement, restricted entry to leisure actions and elevated dangers of crime and substance abuse,” he defined.
“Recognising these challenges, New Heights goals to offer structured, accessible and inclusive actions—corresponding to soccer, mountain climbing, badminton and strolling—that foster teamwork, self-discipline and private development.
“We purpose to encourage individuals to interrupt the cycle of deprivation, equipping them with the instruments to construct a brighter future.
“The undertaking shall be promoted by faculties, social media, native providers and direct engagement with households, making certain that as many people in want as potential have the prospect to take part.
“We invite our wider church group to help New Heights—whether or not by prayer, volunteering or just spreading the phrase.
“Collectively, we are able to create lasting change, reworking lives and strengthening the material of our communities.”
For extra data on how one can get entangled, please e mail information@eacharecovery.org
Life altering
EACHa is a charity that has a big impact on Kilmarnock.
It envisions a group the place each particular person, no matter their background or circumstances, has entry to the help and sources wanted to guide a secure, fulfilling life.
The charity runs a variety of providers such because the Pleasant Recent Begin initiative, which helps people and households shifting from homelessness or non permanent housing into everlasting lodging.
In 2024, 220 tailor-made house starter packs – together with important home goods corresponding to bedding, towels, kitchenware and toiletries – had been distributed.
The Group Associates Drop-In offers a secure, welcoming house the place weak people can entry important sources, nutritious meals and social help.
Final yr, the charity supplied 2,383 meals packs and served 4,383 meals to weak individuals.
EACHa’s Restoration Issues undertaking is devoted to empowering people on their journey to restoration from dependancy and a pair of,108 one-to-one periods had been delivered in 2024 and 556 exterior referrals had been made.
Rev David Cameron is the chairman of EACHa.
“I’m proud to replicate on a yr of development, resilience and deepened group impression,” he stated.
“Via increasing providers just like the Group Associates Drop-In and EACH Restoration Issues, now we have reached extra individuals than ever, providing important help to these going through homelessness, dependancy and isolation.
“Our group, supported by devoted volunteers and beneficiant companions, has labored tirelessly to make sure that everybody who comes by our doorways feels valued and linked.
“I’m immensely grateful to all who help our mission and I look ahead to what we are going to accomplish collectively within the coming yr.”
