The Ledge is a registered Scottish charity dedicated to changing lives for the better via the medium of climbing. Climbing helps build confidence, teamwork, and resilience. It helps develop diverse skill sets, improves focus, and increases co-ordination. On top of all that, it’s a whole heap of fun!
Challenge
The Ledge Climbing Gym & Charity is located on the boundary of the Merkinch area of Inverness, rated in the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) as the 8th most deprived housing area in the whole of Scotland.
Its purpose was to be a climbing wall with a superpower – an awesome indoor wall that would a) fill the identified facilities gap and then b) use its operational surplus to support the local community and deliver charitable ambitions.
To do so, the organisation needed funding to secure a space and develop their facilities.
Solution
After many years of fundraising and a couple of false starts, (hello Covid and friends!) The Ledge secured the tenancy of a large building within the City of Inverness in late 2021.
From here they were able provide a therapeutic learning environment and run a series of ‘Vertical Living’ social impact programmes – classes, courses, and long-term mentored projects – designed to guide people towards more positive outcomes.
Revenue
The Ledge Inverness generates revenue from memberships, fitness classes, equipment hire, pay as you go use of facilities and the Redpoint Kitchen café
Impact
Their social impact programs support young people most at risk of being involved in antisocial behaviour, offending or reoffending, towards or into positive destinations.
In addition, they have been able to provide person-centred support for young people, parents, and families impacted by adverse childhood experiences and trauma and support young people and adults to improve their health, mental health, life skills, and wellbeing.
“The loan from S&CC made this whole thing possible. We’ve managed to build a climbing wall out of what was originally just a plain old retail metal box, and we now have a facility that will be part of the community in Inverness for years to come.”
Alasdair Lawton, Chief Financial Officer at The Ledge
“Delighted we can support The Ledge helping people from all backgrounds find a sense of belonging and social purpose”
Tracy Thomson, Loans Officer, Royal Bank of Scotland Social & Community Capital