Outdoor adventure the key to happier, healthier and more confident children, says leading youth charity

Date published: 12 November 2018

Spending time outdoors is the key to happier, healthier and more confident children, however, only 1 in 5 of them regularly play outside, says leading youth charity YHA (England and Wales).

The charity says that the opportunity to have adventures in the outdoors is vitally important to developing young people’s confidence, resilience and ambition for the future. Studies also show that just 5 minutes of ‘green exercise’ can improve a child’s mental wellbeing.

Locally people can explore Healey Dell Nature Reserve, a beauty spot and wildlife sanctuary rich in industrial archaeology tucked away in Healey, Rochdale.

To help more young people benefit from the transformational power of travel and adventure, YHA has launched a brand-new campaign - The Adventure Effect. It hopes the new campaign will inspire young people and their families to get outdoors.

Karen Pine, Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Hertfordshire, who has supported YHA with the development of The Adventure Effect, said: “If we want to raise children to be healthy physically, mentally, socially and emotionally, we must look at the experiences they’re having during childhood. Outside, spontaneous experiences in nature are critical to their development.”

She explained: “Being unable to get outside for a prolonged period can lead to stress and depression, which sadly besets many people in our society today. Time outdoors spent having adventures in nature helps to build resilience – which is our ability to bounce back in life. This is an incredibly important skill.”

Professional adventurer and author Alastair Humphreys said: “I am delighted to support YHA’s Adventure Effect campaign.

“Adventure is as much about your attitude as anything else. Be curious and seize the opportunities that are available to you. YHA makes it easy, cheap and accessible for everyone to get their adventure started.”

James Blake, Chief Executive of YHA (England and Wales) “YHA has been around for nearly 90 years providing travel and adventure for young people. While times have changed, the transformative effect of adventure is as relevant today as it was in the 1930s.

“Last year, YHA reached 1.5 million young people and this year we want to reach even more. We’re passionate about transforming young lives through travel and real adventure. We know the experiences we deliver through our network of youth hostels make a very real difference to young people.”

YHA has 150 locations throughout the UK offering affordable access to adventure for everyone, regardless of age. Youth hostels are located in National Parks, coastal resorts, towns, cities and rural areas of England and Wales.

As part of YHA’s Adventure Effect campaign, adventurer Alastair Humphreys has shared his five tips for people to get their adventure started:

1. Don’t just talk about it. Do it.
2. Do something simple and small, like going for a walk in your local woods or head up a hill.
3. Make sure you’re warm and prepared for bad weather with suitable waterproof clothing.
4. Take friends or family with you so you can share the experience and encourage each other.
5. Making the most of the outdoors shouldn’t be about pushing yourself and feeling miserable. Go at your own pace and have fun.