How learning and adventure in the wild can support young people in emerging from the isolation of lockdowns

Have both and you’ll flourish, able to achieve your potential, have supportive and fulfilling relationships, and be resilient when faced with setbacks. But through birth circumstances or life events this state can feel out of reach for many young people.

Research from The Prince's Trust shows the wellbeing of young people post-pandemic has reached a crisis point:

47% do not feel in control of their lives

43% are more anxious because of the pandemic

69% feel their lives were on hold

We know that socio-economic background has a particularly strong influence on mental health and wellbeing, with those from poorer backgrounds more likely to have low wellbeing and experience poor mental health. Indeed, The same report highlights rising poverty as one of the possible drivers in declining wellbeing amongst children and young people in the UK. Vulnerable young people are at particular risk of poor wellbeing, including those who are in care, young carers, and those who are not in education, employment or training.