Active and Fit young people!
The Pitch
Problem statement
The youth we work with come from low-income homes in Hackney BAME communities where they lack access to nature-focused activities due to reasons of disability (mental, physical, learning) and/or socioeconomic disadvantages. Additionally, they often experience social isolation, which takes a toll on their wellbeing. Nature-based activities (rowing, swimming, horseback riding, hiking, and more) have a therapeutic effect that ameliorates their overall wellbeing and mental health.
Solution
By providing two weeks of exciting, informative, healthy and character building nature-based activities, we will be transforming their summer holiday experience into one that will change their lives, both in the short and long-term. Experienced youth leaders and volunteers, all DBS checked, will act as role models and support to attendees. Our project will allow each youth to experience a sense of belonging (being surrounded by their peers in a safe and caring environment), while also giving them the opportunity to gain valuable life and social skills (e.g., leadership, teamwork, etc.), thus fostering their confidence and independence.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
Since 2012, we have offered a summer holiday programme that continues to enable socioeconomically disadvantaged inner-city youth aged 11-16 years old to benefit from a unique summer experience. Our project addresses these youth's emotional and physical needs, strengthening them and ensuring their wellbeing through a variety of nature-based activities and programmes. Being in a safe and welcoming environment for two weeks over the summer holidays has enriched these young people's lives tremendously.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Entrance fees (banana boating, kayaking, raft building, etc.): £12 x 200 YP | £2,400 |
| Coach hire: 3 coaches x £310 each | £930 |
| Refreshments £2 x 200 YP | £400 |
| DBS Check (15 staff/volunteers) x £18 | £270 |
Beneficiaries
200 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
Being able to meet others who are undergoing similar struggles in a supportive, safe, and welcoming environment in the presence of supportive mentors will provide them with a feeling belonging, and will also lead to the development of better coping mechanisms when dealing with their challenges. The camp provides them with opportunities to partake in therapeutic outdoor activities for two weeks over the summer holidays, these activities are designed to build their self esteem, which is often frail due to their circumstances. We thus expect to see improved mental health and overall wellbeing outcomes.
Track record
Up 'N Away is a registered charity which, since 2012, aims to improve the lives of young people from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds in BAME communities living in Hackney or Haringey. We provide a wide range of social, educational, recreational and emotionally strengthening activities that they would otherwise not have access to, such as our summer day camp and winter outdoor activities.