Oil and gas company Total Exploration and Production (TEP) UK teamed up with an extreme sports centre and school for a pilot early intervention initiative aimed at teenagers.
A group of 12 secondary school pupils, all in their second year at Torry Academy in Aberdeen, took part in a variety of extreme sports, youth worker-led sessions, employment and communications workshops and team-building activities.
The 10-week programme was hosted by Transition Extreme (TX) in Aberdeen and designed to support and develop the youngsters’ confidence and mental and physical health, while also giving them a chance to make new friends and challenge themselves.
TX chief executive Grahame Paterson said: “Participants and our staff worked together to achieve the outcomes that the young people themselves wanted.
“The change in the participants over the 10-week period was amazing.
“Four of the pupils are now volunteering with Transition Extreme to help other youngsters in their local community, which will contribute to
them achieving their Saltire Award.
“Other pupils noted an improvement in confidence, friendships, learning new skills and finding new passions.”
Sandra McLennan, corporate social responsibility leader, TEP UK, said: “Transition Extreme must be applauded for helping the pupils overcome many hurdles throughout the 10 weeks and as a result helped improve their confidence, trust in others and given them a positive goal to work towards.”