Meet the team
Rob Emery
As our Founder and Chief Executive, Rob is responsible for the day to day running of Adventure Therapy.
When I founded Adventure Therapy I did so to improve the wellbeing of children, young people and adults who lead challenging and complex lives.
Through my own experience of spending time outdoors in nature and adventure, I knew the positive difference that it can have, both mentally and physically. I also know the profound effect that outdoor activities can have to families of children with life-shortening conditions. Spending time in nature and adventure and creating special memories with parents and siblings; memories that last a lifetime.
Our sessions help people to experience an activity which may have seemed impossible in the past, providing a sense of identity, of self-worth, accomplishment and excitement.
Adventure Therapy provides an opportunity for people with complex needs to explore, discover and overcome boundaries - we help people who feel isolated to form friendships; we improve resilience and vitality.
In addition to voluntary youth work and over a decade of working as a professional fundraiser, Rob also brings over 20 years of experience as a financial advisor which helps with planning a robust strategy for the charity and developing its financial strength and security for the years ahead.
Personally, Rob enjoys mountain biking, ocean kayaking and hiking and the therapeutic benefits each brings, whether on the water or out on a trail.
To contact Rob, please email rob.emery@adventuretherapy.org.uk.
Amy Weekes
Amy is our Project Coordinator, based in South Devon.
In addition to assessing our referral forms and organising and attending activities, Amy raises awareness of Adventure Therapy in her community.
If you would like to discover more about our charity and how you can change lives through adventure, please get in touch. Amy would be pleased to discuss how you can support our work personally, through your community group or at an event. You can also make a positive difference to young people and adults who lead challenging and complex lives through your business or, if you are a teacher or student, through your school or college.
Amy volunteered at Challenge Ahead, an organisation in South Devon that supported young people with Acquired Brain Injury through outdoor activities, prior to Adventure Therapy taking over its vital work.
Personally, Amy enjoys mountain biking both recreationally and competitively.
To contact Amy, please email amy.weekes@adventuretherapy.org.uk.
Penny Weekes
As an Independent Occupational Therapist (OT), Penny has worked in South Devon for many years, in the field of Neuro Rehabilitation, alongside children and adults who have sustained an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).
Having setup the charity Challenge Ahead, comprising group activities to enable children and young people to enjoy social and physical activities, she has now joined Adventure Therapy to bring new opportunities to those groups and to expand the reach geographically to families facing the complexities of ABI.
Occupational Therapy is my absolute passion - our professional ethos being the promotion of health and wellbeing through occupational performance. What better environment is there for promoting confidence and independence than through the pleasure and challenge of outdoor adventure and activities.
I am keen to challenge the often negative narrative around disability, inserting positive outcomes, the strengths and the capacity for development seen in an individual who is given the opportunity to take part. I am also happy to volunteer my time to Adventure Therapy as an advocate for its aims, raising awareness of the charity and its proactive approach in outdoor adventure.
In addition to her OT role Penny also facilitates our Parent Group, giving parents and grandparents the opportunity to understand and manage the difficulties of ABI, post injury.
Volunteers
In addition to our staff and consultants, we have an incredible team of volunteers who generously give up their time to change lives through adventure. It is their support which helps us to achieve our mission, from attending activities and mentoring participants to raising awareness of our cause in the communities we serve. We are ever grateful for our dedicated volunteers whose kindness enables our work to continue.
If you would like to give the gift of your time and be part of the Adventure Therapy team, please click here.