A South Downs adventure! Teenagers blossom after inspiring experiences in National Park
November 3, 2022
Teenagers have given heartfelt accounts of amazing mental health benefits after connecting with the great outdoors.
Young people from across the South East have been taking part in action-packed clubs in the National Park that involve getting closer to nature.
Fun activities have included wildlife walks at Seven Sisters Country Park, photography and sound recording sessions at Friston Forest, plus the excitement of river paddleboarding.
The inspiring initiative has been led by a partnership of Make (Good) Trouble, East Sussex County Council and the South Downs National Park Trust.
Make (Good) Trouble focuses on helping young people with their emotional wellbeing and encouraging teenagers to “think outside the box” to develop lifelong skills. Many of the teenagers taking part in the initiative had never explored a National Park before and several had experienced social isolation and mental health challenges during the pandemic.
One of the teenagers said:
“Lockdown was very boring – I didn’t really have anyone to talk to. This is a break from normal life and it’s good fun. You stop worrying about things that you normally worry about and you’re able to just enjoy yourself.”
Another said: “I look forward to coming here every morning, even if it means getting up early.”
A parent of the one of the participants said: “Looking after a young person whose homelife has been traumatic, this has been an absolute lifeline for them and for me.”
Some of the teenagers taking part in the initiative have now produced a poignant video documenting the impact of the nature-based sessions on their lives.
Jane Keating, from Make (Good) Trouble, said:
“We’ve been able to give the young people such a wide variety of opportunities and activities to experience and learn about nature and their environment. The photography session allowed them to capture their surroundings and share their experiences in a creative way. It gave them a break from their normal lives and it was incredible to see how much more curious, engaged and connected they were. It was such a joy to get them out into nature!”
Amanda Elmes, who leads learning and outreach in the South Downs National Park, said:
“It’s been wonderful to work with these teenagers and see them blossom through this experience.
“Unfortunately a significant proportion of young people are disconnected from the natural world around them and the pandemic has only exacerbated this. We’re really passionate at the National Park about giving young people opportunities to get out into the South Downs, learn about nature and have fun – they might even come home with muddy shoes! The testimonials we have had really support all the research that getting out into green, natural spaces is good for children’s mental health and wellbeing. We strongly believe that all children should have access to nature.”
More holiday club sessions are planned in the National Park soon.
For more information about Make (Good) Trouble visit www.makegoodtrouble.co.uk
East Sussex County Council allocated Department of Education funding for this imaginative project, as part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
The funds go to projects that help young people have fun, eat healthily, and socialise with their peers during the school holidays.
The activities are free for families receiving benefit-related free school meals, and are available for other priority vulnerable groups of children.
For more information, please email haf@eastsussex.gov.uk
