The afternoon before the snow fell briefly across Essex, a couple of the VVU were invited to join one of the Out There groups for a chat around the campfire at Wilderness Foundation’s newly acquired Mann Wood site.
Out There is a programme, funded by the VVU, which supports young people aged 11 to 15 who are struggling with school, behavioural issues, relationships and emotional resilience.
The programme takes place outdoors in the natural environment. In small groups of no more than eight, the young people engage in hands-on activities that challenge their minds, develop their social skills, build communication skills and encourage them to work with others.
The group we met were led by Mark and assisted by volunteer Andy and they explained some of the activities they had done with the group, these included wilderness survival skills and bushcraft skills; lighting fires and cooking lunch over a wood fire; group discussions and individual exercises; mindfulness and stress management and just simply playing games and having fun in the outdoors.
Running for one day a week over six weeks, the young people referred to Out There may struggle to engage and stay in school; they may struggle with anxiety around school and may be at risk of suspension or exclusion from school. They may also struggle with family and relationship issues; poor mental health and boundary setting as well as getting involved in risky behaviours. Approximately 80 percent of those referred have complex needs – of which these are wide ranging and varied.
The young people at Mann Wood spoke to us openly about the support they were receiving and how they felt safe and comfortable with Mark and Andy, able to talk about their worries and be themselves.
Positive Outcomes
We asked how the project was helping them; one girl said that the Out There group made her feel safe, and able to talk and she had made friends. One of the boys told us how he isn’t comfortable in a classroom setting and finds it hard to settle and concentrate but he is finding he can open up in the outdoor setting at Mann Wood.
Currently 70 percent of young people on the Out There programme go back into timetabled education after the six week programme, but they don’t go alone. They have access to additional support and signposting if needed. Those that feel they may need further support can be referred for extra support from Wilderness in the form of one to one help or attendance on another of their specific programmes.
Andy, who has volunteered with Wilderness for some years now, spoke very highly of the young people and the change he could see in them. He said he wished Wilderness had been around when he was a child – a strong endorsement from someone who clearly understands the difference Out There is making.
