Provider delivers NCS residentials enhancing pupil wellbeing

Action

A growing number of studies suggest that being in green spaces significantly contributes to improvements in young people’s mental health, wellbeing and stress coping mechanisms. Yet, the British Mountaineering Council reports that substantial numbers of young people, particularly those from disadvantaged households, have restricted access to outdoor spaces.

To help address this, the government has offered free-to-access outdoor adventure education (OAE) residentials to 16- and 17-year-olds via the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme.

The residentials were targeted at young people who may be experiencing challenges to their mental health and wellbeing while adjusting to the rigours of a post-covid climate. The programmes were delivered by evidence-based outdoor learning company Inspiring Learning at its Kingswood activity centres. Young people experienced five days of activities based on 21st Century Skills development via three core modules presenting different challenges designed to help them learn essential life skills.