Many children growing up in Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire are likely to suffer the effects of poverty and neglect, more so than those living in other regions in the UK.
Many who came to Outward Bound had special educational needs or experienced low educational attainment. A lack of self-esteem, confidence and resilience typically characterises the young people, resulting in low aspirations; a lack of opportunity is one of the biggest challenges they face.
The aim of the Outward Bound course was to provide an opportunity for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the West Midlands to experience activities in wild, natural environments, which will develop their confidence and their engagement with learning and improve their confidence in working with and building relationships with others. Each course was tailored to the needs and abilities of the students and involved activities such as mountain walking, rowing and canoeing, culminating in an overnight camp.
One young boy in my group was really apprehensive about everything, to the point, where we had to have joint conversations each night about the next day’s activities. He swore he would not go in the tunnels, gorge walking and did not want to do the overnight expedition. He managed to do all three. It's difficult to gauge but he certainly seems to walk a little taller around school and is not as shy in a classroom setting.
Teacher, Staffordshire school.
Three months after their course
Staff observed improvements in the young people's sense of capability, resilience and in their willingness to have a go at things.
Facing challenges head on
93% of the young people are more likely to attempt things that are difficult.
Up for more
87% of the young people are more likely to seek out new opportunities to challenge themselves.
