Pro sober climbing social

Opportunities and Sustainable Growth Through Training and Experience

A programme designed to equip lived-experience volunteers with training, qualifications, and hands-on experience, creating pathways to employment and sustaining the pro-sober climbing group.

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Our Vision

At Bloc Wellbeing CIC, we strive to create new pathways for individuals in recovery by offering structured activities that foster personal growth, social engagement, and career development. The Volunteer Climbing Instructor Learning Pathway is a key step towards helping lived-experience volunteers achieve professional qualifications, gain valuable employment opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to the community. Through this programme, we will be able to increase our capacity, improve session quality, and build a sustainable future for our Pro-Sober Social Climbing Group. This initiative also opens doors to long-term employment within the climbing industry, providing a positive career path for volunteers who have overcome significant personal challenges.

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Our Plan

The Climbing Instructor Learning Pathway is an innovative training programme that will equip lived-experience volunteers with the skills and qualifications necessary to lead safe, engaging bouldering sessions. With the support of Forward Leeds, we aim to:

Expand Our Reach

By offering more sessions, particularly on weekends when support options are limited, we aim to fill a critical gap in pro-sober activities. This will allow more individuals in recovery to engage in structured, positive experiences during times when they need it most.

Enhance Session Quality

Our volunteers will receive formal instruction and certification, ensuring high-quality bouldering sessions that maintain professionalism and meet industry standards. This will enhance the overall experience for all participants.

Create Training and Employment Pathways

We are committed to providing opportunities for individuals facing financial barriers. Through this initiative, participants will gain valuable training and professional qualifications, opening doors to long-term employment within the climbing industry.

Ensure Long-Term Sustainability

By training a larger pool of qualified volunteers, we can secure the long-term sustainability of our pro-sober bouldering group. This will allow us to consistently offer sessions and grow our impact within the community, regardless of individual volunteer availability.

HOW FUNDING CAN HELP

Use of Funding

Volunteer Training

£2,710.60

Covers essential qualifications like Mountain Training, Outdoor First Aid, and safeguarding courses, ensuring our sessions are delivered safely and effectively.

  • Enables volunteers to gain necessary certifications for leading climbing sessions.
  • Enhances the overall quality and safety of our pro-sober bouldering programme.
  • Provides valuable skills that increase volunteers’ employment opportunities in the climbing sector.
Funding Request Breakdown
Volunteer Travel Subsidies

£520

Assists with transportation costs for volunteers facing financial hardship, ensuring they can fully participate in training and sessions.

  • FEases the financial burden of attending training sessions.
  • Promotes equal access to training for all volunteers, regardless of their financial situation.
  • Supports consistent volunteer engagement and participation throughout the programme.
Funding Request Breakdown
Funding Breakdown: Supporting volunteer training and development

How the Funding Will be Used

This chart illustrates how the requested funds will be allocated to support volunteer training, ensuring comprehensive development from foundational skills to advanced coaching.

The funding will play a crucial role in supporting the Volunteer Climbing Instructor Learning Pathway. It will cover the cost of essential training, resources, and support services for participants. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the funding will be utilised across different stages of the programme:

Programme Structure: Volunteer Climbing Instructor Learning Pathway

Step 1: Registration with Mountain Training & BMC (Month 1)

• Mountain Training Registration: Volunteers will first register with Mountain Training to track their progress and start formal qualifications, such as the Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI) or Foundation Coach. This registration is required to access the training pathway.

• BMC Membership: While not required to begin training, BMC membership is recommended as it offers discounted course fees, insurance, and learning resources. This can help reduce training costs and provide additional support for volunteers.

Step 2: Formal Courses and Practical Experience (Months 1-3)

• BMC FUNdamentals of Climbing 1: Volunteers will complete the FUNdamentals 1 workshop as soon as it’s available locally, typically within the first 1-2 months. This course covers climbing movement and techniques, providing a foundation for safe and effective climbing instruction. This course is an essential for anyone wanting to persue the climbing instructor / coach pathway.

BMC FUNdamentals of Climbing 2: Volunteers will complete the FUNdamentals 2 workshop as soon as it’s available locally, typically within the first 2-3 months. This workshop builds on the basics of FUNdamentals 1, focusing on refining and enhancing climbing techniques for improved performance and efficiency.

• Safeguarding Training: Volunteers will complete safeguarding training (online or in-person) in Month 2 to ensure compliance with safety standards when working with vulnerable groups.

• Outdoor First Aid: A two-day First Aid course will be taken by month 3 to equip volunteers with skills to manage emergency situations.

• Shadowing and Practical Experience: From Month 1 onwards, volunteers will shadow experienced instructors during pro-sober bouldering sessions, gaining practical, hands-on experience while applying their theoretical training.

• Boundaries Training: This course ensures that volunteers understand professional boundaries and can maintain a supportive environment for participants. (Month 3)

• DBS Checks: As part of safeguarding, all volunteers will undergo DBS checks to ensure they are eligible to work with vulnerable populations. (Month 1)

Step 3: Practical Experience and Advanced Training (Months 4-6)

After completing the foundational training, volunteers will start applying their skills in real-world settings while continuing their education:

• Practical Shadowing in Pro-Sober Sessions: From Month 1 onwards, volunteers will begin shadowing instructors during live bouldering sessions, gaining hands-on experience.

• Leading Climbing Sessions: By Month 4, volunteers will begin leading supervised bouldering sessions. This practical experience is crucial for their development as future climbing instructors. (Months 4-6)

• Foundation Coach Training & Assessment: Volunteers will undergo Foundation Coach training, preparing them to instruct beginner climbers. The assessment will take place at local centres such as The Big Depot (Assessment in Month 6)

Support from City Bloc Leeds Training Pathway

The City Bloc Training Pathway will provide additional support where required, including extra shadowing opportunities and guidance, at no additional cost. This ensures that volunteers receive comprehensive training and support throughout their journey, enhancing their skills in both technical and leadership roles.

Stage 1: Foundational Skills and Theoretical Knowledge

Participants will learn:
• Safeguarding and Risk Management: Best practices in participant safety and climbing session management.
• Climbing Instruction Basics: How to plan, manage, and adapt bouldering sessions for different age groups and abilities.
• Communication Skills: Developing key skills to effectively guide and support participants.

Stage 2: Practical Application and Assessment

Volunteers will apply their learning in real-world situations, gaining experience through supervised sessions. They will:

• Lead Live Climbing Sessions: Applying their training in a practical setting.
• Manage Risks and Safety: Implement safety measures in real-time sessions.
• Refine Communication Skills: Engage with participants to ensure they are supported and progressing.

By supporting the Volunteer Climbing Instructor Learning Pathway, you will help us expand our pro-sober activities, offer vital training and employment opportunities to lived-experience volunteers, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our services. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier community that thrives on positive engagement and growth.

Achieving Impact

  • Enhancing Session Quality: By providing formal training, we ensure that our pro-sober bouldering sessions are of high quality, creating a supportive environment for recovery.
  • Increasing Capacity: Training more volunteers enables us to expand our offerings, providing more spaces for individuals seeking sober activities.
  • Ensuring Sustainability: A larger pool of trained volunteers ensures consistent service delivery and the long-term viability of our programme.
  • Creating Employment Pathways: The qualifications gained will open up employment opportunities in the climbing industry, offering new career prospects for our volunteers.
  • Providing Real-World Experience: Training within an established bouldering wall allows volunteers to gain the necessary hands-on experience to complete their certifications.
Building a Supportive Network

Why Your Support Matters

This funding not only enhances the quality and sustainability of our sessions but also creates employment opportunities and a ripple effect in the community. By recognising and valuing the lived experiences of our volunteers, you are helping to build a more visible and supportive recovery network in Leeds. Your support will not only empower individuals but also foster long-term positive change, contributing to the growth of a resilient and connected community.

Thank You

Jenny & Craig – Bloc Wellbeing CIC