The great outdoors
11th May 2023
In our latest article for Essex Life, we explore how the great outdoors in Essex, on land and at sea, is transforming the lives of people across the county. (Republished with permission).
A wide range of organisations and charities give local people the chance to benefit from everything the outdoors has to offer, and many have their work supported by grants, including those distributed by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation (ECF.)
Among the projects to be funded by ECF, was a four-night adventure voyage that saw twenty youngsters enjoy time at sea in a voyage from Harwich to Portsmouth, with help from The Mayflower Legacy Fund. The Fund was set up with ECF in 2011 by Cllr Ivan Henderson, who has devoted three decades of public service to Harwich and has just completed an extended term of office as mayor of the historic town. By the end of June this year, the Fund will have given out £6,000 in grants.
The young people and their four youth workers set off from Harwich’s Ha’penny Pier last summer on board two 72ft Challenger yachts owned by Tall Ships Youth Trust.
Cllr Henderson came up with the idea for the trip when he was preparing for his first mayoral year, to help mark the 400th anniversary sailing of the Mayflower from Harwich to Portsmouth.
Delays and restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic meant that Cllr Henderson’s mayoral year was extended, so that planned projects including the sailing trip could become a reality.
“I wanted the Fund to have a link to the ongoing maritime history of Harwich and, importantly, to build up over time and create a legacy that supports and benefits local people for years to come,” said Cllr Henderson,
“As part of this, I’m delighted that we have been able to give these local young people a residential sailing opportunity, which otherwise they wouldn’t have had. The experience was one of personal development and discovery for the young people and I hope the memory of it will stay with them forever and help them to shape their lives positively.”
The power of nature is also being proved through the work of The Wilderness Foundation UK. The charity, based in rural Essex, is one of many to have the benefit of support from ECF.
“The positive impact of wild nature on our mental well-being can be life-changing,” said a Jo Roberts, CEO of Wilderness Foundation.
“Becoming immersed in nature can help you to relax and feel less overwhelmed about the problems you may be facing.
“All of our projects provide direct support, connecting people to nature with benefits to their mental and physical well-being. By harnessing the power of the wilderness and nature we help young people and adults reconnect to themselves and empower them, in return, to care for nature. Together, we ensure a safe, natural environment for the future.
“Our track record of working with young people includes programmes that develop future sustainability leaders, build resilience for those with challenging lives and mental health issues, introduce rural employment to urban youth and bring curriculum-based sciences to life in the outdoors, all through our nature-based programmes and experienced outdoor facilitators and counsellors. We are working to keep people healthy and our planet wild.”
The TurnAround programme run by The Wilderness Foundation helps disadvantaged and vulnerable young people aged 15 to 21 to make positive changes in their lives, for the benefit of themselves and society. TurnAround takes a group of youngsters, with deprived or chaotic lifestyles, from areas of identified deprivation across Essex, through a nine-month programme involving coaching, personal development workshops and wilderness training.
In each case the project has proved to be a catalyst for change for the young people taking part. They are shown how their current lifestyle is destructive and how they are able to improve their life skills and employment prospects.
They also gain confidence in their ability to make a way for themselves through their own efforts. The project has impressive results, with many of the young people reducing their alcohol or drug abuse, finding employment, or re-entering education and increasing their hope and chances for the future.
Essex Boys and Girls Clubs (EBGC) provide a programme of exciting events, activities and training for young people aged 11 to 18. They also run outdoor pursuits at their three centres in the Northern Fells of the Lake District, Black Mountains of South Wales and at Layer Marney Tower, in Essex.
With 140 affiliated clubs across the county EBGC can reach more than 10,000 young people, many of which live in urban and deprived areas. The organisation receives ongoing support for its vital work from ECF.
A recognised leader in its field, EBGC provides young people with training and development courses and opportunities for leadership and personal development, some of which are based around outdoor pursuits and skills.
At their centre in Layer Marney youngsters aged 13 to 14 can take part in Project Respect, run by EBGC. The project is designed to help young people who show signs of disengagement from school, either through behaviour, attitude, a difficult home life, low self-esteem and lack of confidence, or issues showing they may become victims or perpetrators of crime.
The programme begins with outdoor activities teaching them how to work as a team and overcome personal challenges. Then life-skills are taught to address issues relating to teamwork, negative peer pressure, dealing with arguments constructively and drug and alcohol guidance.
A residential course takes place in the Lake District, including hill walking, climbing, abseiling and an overnight expedition, where a selection of the youngsters put into practice the skills they have been learning, supporting each other and following instructions.
Martin Solder, chief executive of EBGC, said: “Our Respect project has proved highly successful, with many young people coming back with a renewed sense of self confidence, aspirations for their future and brought back from the edge of school exclusion, or falling into a life of crime.
“Most importantly, they return to school with a new attitude, willing to take part in class discussions, are better behaved and display a more respectful attitude to teachers and staff, helping prepare them for a positive future.”
Can you help?
For more information about how you can set up a Fund to support Essex charities or individuals in need, click here or call us on 01245 355947.