New Inverness climbing centre and community charity, The Ledge, appoints social impact director Marc Peart to help people struggling in the face of adversity
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A state-of-the-art climbing centre and community charity set to open in Inverness in January has appointed a social impact director.
Marc Peart will take up his new role at The Ledge which aims to create a social hub where the centre will be run by climbers but is open to anyone hoping to learn new life skills and improve their own mental wellbeing.
It will be based at a former furniture store in Telford Street.
Watch: Behind the scenes tour of unit to house state-of-art climbing centre
Mr Peart will lead the charitable programmes designed to benefit the local community.
A qualified teacher with a strong background in outdoor education, he has worked with young people who have experienced trauma and its resulting impact for 25 years.
During the last decade, he has been the head teacher for specialist schools, working with young people who have a range of complex needs across residential and day schools.
He will use his skills and experience to lead programmes to provide coping strategies to individuals of all ages who may be struggling in the face of adversity.
"The Ledge will offer a great opportunity for people across the Highlands to access a world-class climbing facility," Mr Peart said.
"We know that all the current research shows that access to climbing and outdoor spaces facilitated by experienced staff can have a significant impact on our mental health and wellbeing."
Climbing gyms create a space where climbers of all levels are supported by peers, which will help members and visitors gain confidence and enjoy the camaraderie the gym will foster.
With the vision of "vertical living" – a phrase that signifies standing with confidence and clarity – the charity aims not only to nurture and inspire the next generation of climbers but also to offer the skills and strategies gained through climbing as a springboard for better coping strategies, resilience, and strength in all aspects of the members’ lives moving forward.
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to help support the build of the state-of-the-art centre and the programmes which will be developed.
To find out more and support the charity’s aims of empowering the community, go to SupportTheLedge.
The opening of the centre will create up to 40 jobs while boosting the local economy by £1 million.
