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17-22 July 2008 will see 30 ex offenders removed from their familiar London landscape and inserted into the wild expanse of the Scottish Highlands to take part in ‘Operation Loch Tay’. Over seven days, young men and women, some only recently released from prison, will be put through a series of physical challenges, ‘command appointments’ and rigorous group tasks designed to promote self-esteem and responsibility. 

OP LOCH acts as a catalyst for a wider process, Only Connect’s Freedom Project, a six week tailored resettlement course centring on practical issues such as housing and employment. But the week is more than just ‘outward bound’ activity. It actively promotes competitive spirit and collective identity over individual. Teams will be led by qualified former servicemen backed up by carefully selected ex offenders who have proven leadership attributes.

The experience will be demanding, off beat and exhilarating aimed at setting in motion the resolve and personal pride necessary to avert re-offending.

Management

OP LOCH will be hosted by Events & Activities, an outdoor pursuits centre on the shores of Loch Tay specialising in the delivery of endurance events in the UK and abroad.

Sponsorship

The total cost of taking 30 ex offenders plus 10 team leaders from London to Loch Tay for the exercise is £15,000, split between logistics, safety support and specialist equipment.

In simple terms this works out at roughly £500 per client.  HM Government spends £35,000 a year to keep an offender in prison – 65% reoffend and are back ‘inside’ within 2 years. OP LOCH and the subsequent Freedom Project seek to break this cycle.

Further to the exercise costs Only Connect aims to raise an additional £15,000 for its ongoing projects.

What’s in it for you?

Donors will receive OP LOCH ‘intelligence updates’ and a post exercise report but more importantly the chance to meet the clients and see our work first hand. ‘Friends of Only Connect’ receive invitations to the Wednesday night Soul Sessions and the chance to attend our theatre productions.
 

Thanks for for the sponsorship.