Spotlight on Able2Adventure
We’re delighted to be joined for our latest spotlight by Able2Adventure, a mobile outdoor activity provider for people of all ages and abilities based in the Cairngorms National Park. We caught up with their Operations Manager, Gemma Hendry to find out more about the work they do, plans for the new year and tips for other entrepreneurs.
What’s your social and/or environmental mission?
Able2Adventure aim to deliver outdoor activities for people of all abilities that are inspiring, engaging, compassionate and supportive of everyone’s needs. We actively seek to increase opportunities to access adventurous activities through the provision of workshops, consultancy and partnership delivery.
How do you do it?
This means we use adaptive equipment and a ‘can do’ approach to make the outdoors accessible to all. We work with SEN schools, disabled individuals and their family and friends as well as disability organisations.
What’s your personal motivation for being a social entrepreneur?
We were previously working at a disability adventure centre in the Lake District, England and moved to Scotland hoping to pursue the same work. However we found there was no one else offering these opportunities, especially in the Highlands and so we set up Able2Adventure.
What are your current projects?
Our biggest project at the moment is the development of an Access Hub in the National Park consisting of adaptive bikes and off road wheelchairs that people can hire or participate in a guided ride.
What exciting things do you have coming up?
Introduction to winter walking courses for people of all abilities as well as the launch of all our open activity days and courses for 2023.
Who do you want to work with more?
Adults of all abilities as most people assume that we only work with disabled young people.
What’s your biggest challenge?
As I am sure is that same for most organisations, it is the ability to get the message out to the community you are trying to reach and building the confidence in your service.
What top tips would you give to other social enterprises?
Listen and evolve to the needs of your community. It is through doing this we have been able to develop things we hadn’t even thought of such as a ‘Wheelchair Adventure Race’ and ‘Paraclimbing Camp’ at the Scottish National Training centre.
For more information, please visit Able2Adventure’s website. Make sure to follow them on Facebook to keep updated with their work.
Want to read more Member Spotlights? Visit our blog. If you’d like to be featured, please email our Membership Manager Jayne at jayne.chappell@socialenterprise.scot.