Friends of Benmore Outdoor Centre receives donation to support young people in Argyll & Bute through provision and enhancement of outdoor education opportunities at Benmore

On its dissolution, the Trustees of Asten Jones Trust transferred remaining funds and fund raising equipment to Friends of Benmore.

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The purposes of the Asten Jones Trust was the prevention and relief of poverty; the advancement of education; and the support of those in need by reason of age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage.

The Dunoon based trusts aims were closely aligned with Friends of Benmore who are a charity established by volunteers to support and champion the powerful positive effect residential outdoor learning can have on the personal, social, and academic development of children and young people.

Andy Beveridge (‘Friends of Benmore’ Trustee) was presented with the cheque from Cathy Ashford (Chair of Asten Jones Trustees), Graeme Adams (Benmore Operations manager) and Amy Bryden (Benmore Facilities Co-ordinator) were in attendance.

‘Friends of Benmore’ is currently fund-raising to pursue initiatives to enhance children’s and young people’s experience at Benmore.

Roger Scrutton trustee said “As we hear more and more in the news that many young people struggle with their mental health, and with a possible knock-on effect to academic achievement and later life, it is even more important that they have the opportunity to experience a high-quality residential outdoor experience where they can appreciate the benefits of ‘going outdoors’ and what it can bring to their health and wellbeing”

Friends of Benmore charity’s priorities include the provision of an articulated pontoon at Loch Eck to help children with mobility difficulties into and out of canoes and kayaks as well as the provision of some support for children and young people of Dunoon to visit Benmore Centre. Friends of Benmore will be holding an orienteering fund-raising event at Dunoon Castle Gardens and Benmore in the late Spring. Longer term, they aim to facilitate training events for teachers, instructors and volunteers, who support pupil visits to Benmore, in outdoor learning and learning for sustainability, ideally in collaboration with Benmore Botanic Gardens.

If you’d like to learn more about Friends of Benmore and how you can support their charitable aims or get involved at Friends of Benmore.