Outward Bound in Scotland

COVID-19 has touched every part of our lives. But for many young Scots, the stark reality is, that without your help, they will struggle to shake off the past two years and realise what they are capable of.

2022 is the year to bring positive change. You can give our young people the skills they need to bounce back. You can help them to build their wellbeing and resilience so that they can embrace their future with confidence and optimism.

Here's the situation...

We're not here to fill you with facts. The challenges facing young people in Scotland are well publicised, and the data shows that COVID-19 has only exacerbated these problems:

1 in 4 young people live in poverty
4 in 5 don't get enough daily exercise
5 in 10 feel stressed or anxious
There's an overwhelming rise in health and wellbeing concerns
And an increasing attainment gap, especially for vulnerable children

And a solution...

Be under no illusion. Young people who don't get help now will potentially suffer throughout their lives. You can protect, nurture and build a positive future for young Scots. Together we can:

Support young people in their local community
With no barriers to participation
Building vital life skills and mental wellbeing
And getting them active and connecting with nature
All by providing learning and adventure opportunities that can't be replicated in the classroom or at home

How we're responding

Young people go on a journey of self-discovery at Outward Bound. When on a residential at our Loch Eil centre they learn how to work together, solving problems and overcoming challenges. And our instructors help them to realise the skills they are learning are skills for life. From self-belief and resilience to wellbeing and teamwork. At Outward Bound they learn the most important lesson ever: to believe in themselves.

In this report, we discuss how an Outward Bound residential experience plays a vital role in helping young people in Scotland develop their skills and behaviours as they recover from the pandemic.

Download our report: 'Reconnecting relationships, reawakening minds and restoring confidence'

You can support young scots

Young people from all 32 local authorities within Scotland want to come to Outward Bound. You can help them realise that they are capable of #morethanyouthink.

A gift of £5,000 would enable an entire classroom of 30 pupils to take part in a life-changing Outward Bound residential at Loch Eil this year.

You can show them what's possible

How your business can help

We'll work with you to make sure our partnership connects with your CSR strategy, building sustainable relationships in your local community and showcasing you as an aspirational employer.

Most importantly you'll be giving disadvantaged young people a gift for life. Increasing their self-belief, resilience and ability to trust in others.

Are you ready to take the next step?

I'm Inquisitive

Got a question? Fill in this short form and one of us will be in touch...

I'm Interested

Watch our wellbeing webinar showing the challenges facing young people in 2022.

I'm Inspired

You're in?! You want to help young Scots right now? Make a donation...

Download our post-COVID Impact Report

Our research with headteachers, teachers and young people paints a bleak picture of what many young people have experienced over the past two years but also illustrates the positive and life-affirming experiences that Outward Bound offers

Download our Scottish Impact Report to see for yourself.

WHAT GOT THIS TEEN THROUGH LOCKDOWN?

There were a lot of articles in the press about the effects of the pandemic on young people, but here’s Arianna's story about what got her through. We'll give you a clue... it wasn't anything online!

Read Arianna's story

Outward Bound Loch Eil

Covid-19: a crisis of a generation