Urban Uprising - Nikki Croxford
Wed, Nov 20th 2019 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
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Nikki spoke to the Club about Urban Uprising, a charity of which she is a Trustee.
We have heard from Urban Uprising before, when there was just one unit established in Dumbarton. A second unit was set up in Edinburgh in 2018 and a third is being set up in Bristol this year.
Urban Uprising offers help for socially disadvantaged children aged 8 to 18 suffering from poverty, isolation or mental or physical problems. It offers a unique therapy by introducing them to indoor climbing, taking advantage for example of the facilities at the Ratho climbing arena. Initially the youngsters are given an 8 session indoor course which is followed in some cases by an outdoor climbing experience.
Nikki said she had been climbing for 30 years and would climb anything anywhere. She finds the sport exhilarating and she sees evidence that an introduction to the sport can be of enormous benefit to troubled children. It provides social and physical support. It develops confidence, trust in others, peer support, respect and communication skills and at the same time develops strength, stamina and co-ordination. Above all perhaps it offers a sense of achievement.
The charity works in partnership with youth organisations and schools, helping with vulnerable and challenged children. It works with just one part-time employee and 5 volunteer Trustees but is able to call on 93 volunteers who support the activities but can also act as role models. Some have gone through the process themselves. This year 13 groups have so far helped 140 youngsters.
The presentation was interesting and inspiring. Mike Latimer expressed the Club’s thanks.
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