Volunteers brave the snow to help out at Christian centre

Lived experience Volunteers from Rainbow House in Glasgow took a trip to Cairngorms Christian Centre in Kincraig last month where they got to work clearing snow as part of a strong partnership approach.

Rainbow House have taking residents up to The Highlands for residential weeks for over 30 years as part of their rehabilitation programme.

Groups of peer volunteers visit Cairngorms, a purpose built self catering facility in Cairngorms National Park, twice a year to do some work at the centre such as upgrades, painting, repairs, landscaping and in return the Rainbow residents get free accommodation when the recovery team take them up for residential weeks.

Rainbow residents get the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, learn recovery through nature and have fun without substances.

In January, volunteers cleared the car park of heavy snow during the heavy snowfall earlier in the month. Volunteers also painted the bunk rooms making them look clean and fresh.

Cat McCabe, managing co-ordinator for Glasgow Recovery Services, said: “Our staff team and volunteers are strong examples of recovery and highlight the importance of the outdoors in our wellbeing.

“No matter the weather we will walk a hill, enjoy visiting green loch and spending time around Aviemore and other areas nearby.

“People come back with strong memories of their time in Kincraig and what they achieved up there - If you have never been out of a Glasgow scheme you may not believe that you can climb a hill with snow at the top!

“It is never just about the outdoors - it is about learning team building, resilience in recovery, personal development and accepting life on life's terms.”