The Covid 19 Pandemic will have long-lasting negative effects on Children and Young People’s Self-Confidence, Social Skills and Well-Being
Adventurous outdoor activities and connecting with the natural environment are powerful experiences. Residential trips to Hollowford for youth and school are described as enjoyable, challenging and memorable. Visiting staff tell us how they see children and young people gaining in confidence and enhancing their teamwork skills. There is also mounting evidence that outdoor activities contribute towards improved health and wellbeing.
‘There is positive evidence relating to the impacts of activities in natural environments on children’s mental health and their cognitive, emotional and behavioural functioning.’ Natural England July 2016
The UK Youth report on the Impact of Covid 19 on young people states that the effects are likely to be “intense and long lasting, especially for the most vulnerable”. Impacts will include:
- Increased mental health and well being concerns
- Increased loneliness and isolation
- Challenging family relationships
- Higher risks of engaging in gangs, substance misuse and other disruptive and harmful practices
Covid 19 has resulted in many children and young people not being at school for several months. Homeschooling and limited social contact with other children and young people has become the ‘new norm’. Evidence now indicates that those from the most deprived backgrounds will have suffered the most both in terms of personal and social development and educational progression. We need to identify ways in which this disadvantage can be reversed.
Lindley’s youth and community projects have kept engaged with children and young people throughout the Covid 19 lockdown. They have told us they are confused, frightened, bored and are really keen to get back to ‘youthy’. They want us to take them out climbing, hill walking, canoeing, cycling and much more. We are delivering a series of day activities, which will lead up to some residentials at Hollowford. We know that these progressive longer-term projects build confidence and essential life skills.
Lindley’s team at Hollowford is committed to ensuring children and young people can bounce back from the effects of lockdown. Hollowford provides an inspiring place that can help rebuild children and young peoples’ self-confidence, social skills and enthusiasm for learning. It is a fantastic place for personal and social development. Located in the heart of the Peak District National Park. We have an envied location, beneath the great ridge that links Mam Tor (the famous shivering mountain) and Lose Hill.
The range of outdoor activities available to engage, challenge and inspire are broad:
Rock Climbing Canoeing Hill Walking Caving Archery Raft Building High Ropes
If you’re not convinced of the role outdoor learning and play in personal development, it’s worth looking at these statistics from Outdoor Classroom Day 2018.
The Trust has been delivering outdoor learning activity for over 50 years. We are only too happy to share our nationally renowned expertise to help ensure all children and young people benefit from being in the natural environment. Contact us at enquiries@lindleyeducationaltrust.org tel. 01433 620377
