Earlier this year, we put out a call to help us fundraise for nature therapy sessions for children and young people accessing our service. We wanted to take them on an outward-bound adventure as part of our trauma informed interventions, helping to address and overcome their experiences of rape, sexual violence and abuse. Outdoor adventure therapy can help children and young people to begin to access and talk about their feelings with the therapist and the other children within the programme that have had similar experiences. The power of the shared experience is therapeutic at any age. Feelings of isolation, and self-blame can be shared and encourages the group to work together, helping them bond and build friendships.

With your help, we were able to send two groups of children and young people onto the adventure therapy programme. They enjoyed four weekly sessions held during the summer holidays, and this is what they had to say about their experience:

“I’m glad I was here!”
“I wish it could continue longer with the same people.”
“I feel like I can help myself in difficult situations.”
“Feel more confident and more aware of my mental health.”

The programme supported the wellbeing and resilience of the young people who engaged in it, offering opportunities for learning and therapeutic support. Those who engaged in the programme improved their wellbeing, through engaging with the natural world and the rest of the group. There was a universal agreement that the programme was enjoyable and beneficial, with all members commenting they would have liked more time and or would come back again.

We’d like to say a big thank you to Luke Blackham from Wild N’ Well Outdoors for facilitating this experience, and a big thank you to all our donors who made this possible.