I was delighted to be invited by Teresa Jennings to talk at the launch of the Brathay Bursary last night alongside Garryck Spurgeon-Price, my friend and fellow ALP graduate.
We shared our own experience of Brathay residential’s and the impact it’s had on our lives but also reflected on the importance of these experiences for young people. I’d like to share some of those reflections here…
🍃Young people today are facing extraordinary pressures. From education and employment challenges, to the impact of the cost of living crisis on their personal and family lives, and constant exposure to an evolving technological world. Outdoor residential’s provide a break away from everyday pressures or distractions, allowing young people dedicated time to focus on freedom, expression, and exploration.
🍃Spending time outdoors is proven to have both mental and physical benefits. We cannot underestimate the impact of building these connections from an early age. Ultimately this understanding comes from experience, and residential’s help children to form the habit of enjoying time outdoors.
🍃Young people are drawn to seeking risk. This is part of the natural stages of development a child moves through as they grow. Unfortunately there is a lack of space and opportunity for young people to fulfil this need which can lead them into unhealthy or unsafe behaviours. Outdoor residential’s provide the perfect alternative by facilitating healthy risk taking in a safe environment.
🍃The challenges and activities that form an outdoor residential allow young people to see their skills outside of external recognition. They are encouraged to reflect on team tasks and how they and others achieved their goal. This is not about ‘who reached the summit first’. It is focused on who spotted an upcoming difficulty, who helped navigate the solution, who communicated this to the group, who helped the team stay motivated, or who supported others? Recognising contributions and skills beyond traditional academic areas is both inspiring and important for building self-esteem and confidence in all young people.
The Brathay bursary will ensure more young people benefit from these life changing experiences, regardless of location, background, or financial circumstances. Please consider supporting the Brathay bursary by donating or sharing with others, it really does make a difference - https://lnkd.in/efahgVDU
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Brathay Bursary! 🙌
It was officially launched last night at the Palace of Westminster by MPs Simon Fell and Tim Farron.
Access to new experiences in outdoors is vital for young people's mental health and personal growth. However, the cost-of-living continues to impact families and schools being able to afford this necessity.
The Brathay Bursary will ensure transformative school residential experiences are accessible to all.
Our new initiative aims to support 5,000 more young people in the next 5 years to experience a life-changing residential.
Play your part in changing a young person's life... we are now accepting your kind donations: https://lnkd.in/eAkax65k
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1moGreat 🙏🏼 🙏🏼