Community Group enjoy Sperrins Tyrolean Traverse

On Saturday 28^th October the Craigbane Ramblers and Adventure Group, a daring group of young disadvantaged adults held on tight while taking part in a tyrolean traverse in Learmount Forest, Claudy facilitated by outdoor provider Life (www.onegreatadventure.com). The activity itself is a way of getting across a gorge using a tight rope and harness, challenging the group as individuals and to work as a team to support each other.  The young adults also participated in sessions of mountain biking and climbing in the Sperrins followed by a session of archery, team games and canoeing along Upper River Bann.

Shannon O'Donnell one of the group members commented, “It was brilliant the climbing was good I want to do it again. I loved flying through the trees especially with a haunted Halloween theme it’s made me want to take part in more outdoor activities with my friends. ’ Another group member highlighted, “ I am very scared of water, but after being encouraged to try out a session of canoeing on the river Bann I can’t wait to go into the water again. I feel I have overcome my fear with the help of Venture Outdoors and the activity provider Life who helped build my confidence.”

These outdoor activity ‘taster sessions’ have been put in place by the Venture Outdoors - Creating Healthy Communities project and to date over 500 participants including carers and support staff have taken part in 186 ‘have a go’ activity sessions which have included canoeing, climbing, orienteering and archery to name just a few.

The Craigbane Ramblers and Activity Group is a community group based in the heart of the Sperrins who are keen to help the local community young and old get into the countryside and participate in exciting yet challenging activities  One member of the group highlighted, “This was a great experience for me and I really enjoy being a member of this group. Life was great and provided us with lots of guidance and support; we are definitely going to continue trying out new outdoor activities”. The Craigbane Activity Group is only 1 of 40 groups across Northern Ireland receiving these taster sessions with Venture Outdoors.

Claire Overend, Venture Outdoors Development Officer highlighted, “This is a fantastic opportunity for the Craigbane Activity group to enjoy getting outdoors and help in terms of raising awareness of all outdoor activities that are available within their locality.”

The Venture Outdoors Project is a 3 year initiative of the Countryside Access and Activities Network and has been provided with a grant of £500,000 from the Big Lottery Fund’s Reaching Communities Programme and Ulster Garden Villages.

For more information on the Venture Outdoors – Creating Healthy Communities Project contact Maeve Curran 02890 303 930 maeve@countrysiderecreation.com.