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Thanks to the incredible generosity of Barratt Developments, on 3 August, after 136 days of closure, we were able to welcome young people back to Outward Bound for a very special 1000 days of adventure!
Lockdown has been a bewildering experience for young people. Many have had to manage challenging circumstances at home, without their friends and the structure of school for support. They needed space to explore and be outdoors, and help to rebuild their confidence.
Your support gave young people the chance to reconnect, renew and recharge before their return to school. The programme was such a fantastic success, we are now extending it through weekends and for two weeks at the October half term break. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, we are determined to be there for young people, they need us now like never before.
This page is dedicated to Barratt Developments, these fantastic young people and their COVID stories. Thank you.
We were contacted by a recently widowed, NHS key worker. She's raising three children on her own on a low income.
She wanted her two oldest children to enjoy an adventure day because she thought they deserved a break. They'd struggled with the online learning aspect of homeschooling during the pandemic and she couldn't afford to buy them individual devices to work on. She'd also worked throughout, tackling the virus in the workforce. She wanted them to have fun on an adventure day that she couldn't have given them herself.
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"My son witnessed me being assaulted by a gang of youths in an unprovoked attack outside our home in May and he was very brave and contacted the police and got the smaller children with me to safety.
He has struggled to play out since and spends most of his time on his game and has become a bit shy. I was very anxious afterwards and he looked after his little sister for me on the days I didn't cope very well. I would love for him to have this day."
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We heard from the dad of a young girl who hates going to school as she has no confidence in herself. Her mum has multiple sclerosis and when he's at work she takes on the caring role for her mum.
Coming from a family of five, there aren't ever many treat days. Lockdown had it's highs and lows, but this young carer embraces the outdoors and loves walking. 1000 Days of Adventure gave her the opportunity to try new activities, a respite day that was much needed and greatly appreciated.
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"I'd like my daughter to attend as she had an extremely hard time during lockdown with body image issues and lack of confidence. She's been extremely lonely and the school councillor has suggested we make a GP appointment. When I saw 1000 Days of Adventure advertised I imagined it would benefit her very much and hopefully improve her confidence.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to apply, it is a wonderful thing you are doing, Thank you on behalf of any child you might help, even if it's not my daughter."
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"My 11 year old step-son would benefit from an Outward Bound day as we have been going through a hard time as he doesn't have contact with his birth mother and his father has recently moved out of our family home due to depression.
Victor has had a tough childhood and loves being outside going on adventure but it's hard as I am on my own with him and my toddler so what one enjoys the other doesn't. He missed out on a lot at the end of primary so this would definitely boost him before his move to secondary school."
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Aiden is 11 years old and has a twin brother called Josh.
In March 2020, Aiden was in his last year at primary school and enjoyed spending time playing with his friends. During lockdown, he felt isolated and missed his friends. COVID-19 was also going to impact his start at secondary school.
As the lockdown restrictions were eased, Aiden was able to come to Outward Bound for the first time as part of 1000 Days of Adventure.
This is his story.
"Whilst Outward Bound couldn't run our traditional residential courses this summer, we wanted to help as many young people as we could to take some time out, find some perspective on the challenges they’ve faced during lockdown and enjoy some positive social interactions in the great outdoors. The generosity of Barratt Developments meant that we could do this - and I hope that reading the stories here will show just how valued this has been. On behalf of everyone at Outward Bound and the young people, families and communities you have helped - THANK YOU."
Nick Barrett, CEO at The Outward Bound Trust
Do you know an 11-17 year old who would benefit from an adventure day between now and the end of October?
The funding you have provided from Barratt Developments means places are free for young people who are eligible for free school meals or who otherwise couldn't afford to come. But no matter what your circumstances Outward Bound is open to all - all we ask is for a small payment of £30 to help cover the cost.
We have a range of dates at our Aberdovey, Loch Eil and Ullswater centres.
