UK Youth and DCMS have launched a £470k fund to support disadvantaged young people in England with outdoor learning experiences.
Grants are available to outdoor learning centres based in England, with a deadline for applications of 9am on Monday 27 February.
The Adventures Away From Home Fund will offer disadvantaged young people, aged 11-to-18, opportunities to engage in outdoor learning experiences that positively affect key areas of their development through connections with others and nature.
Applicants must be outdoor learning centres based in England and organisations must hold external quality assurance certification, such as LOtC, AALA or AHEOC Gold Standard. Applications are open now and must be made through the UK Youth portal. The funding can be for a full day session or a 2-night residential stay, and there is no minimum or maximum amount to apply for.
The launch of the Adventures Away From Home Fund is part of UK Youth’s campaign to raise awareness of the impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on youth organisations and young people. The fund is separate from UK Youth’s recently launched Cost of Living Fund in partnership with Pears Foundation.
David Watts, Director of Outdoor Learning at UK Youth, said:
“We are delighted to be able to launch our Adventures Away From Home Fund, thanks to DCMS support, as youth work and outdoor learning are essential tools to help young people navigate these uncertain times.
“We want to encourage outdoor learning providers to apply and support disadvantaged young people in their local community who are being impacted by a number of generational issues, such as the cost-of-living crisis, mental health concerns, a lack of employment opportunities and limited access to green spaces. Outdoor learning is a fundamental part of a young person’s journey to help them develop the skills of enquiry and critical thinking necessary for them to meet the social, economic, and environmental challenges of life. At the same time, it’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with the natural world, culture, and society, which can support lifelong engagement around physical literacy and support positive mental wellbeing. Every young person deserves this support.”
