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Here at Outdoor People we have a passion for making the outdoors easy, especially for families and children.
We want to radically change the way people think about the outdoors, so it becomes as essential as learning to read and being hugged! We are a non-profit, and all our fundraising helps us run our Outdoor Families Programme, helping families in and around London to get outdoors every day.
We find ways around physical barriers, we help challenge socially constructed barriers and we build up the confidence and skills of parents so they can overcome anything else that is stopping them and their children having the adventures they want outdoors.
Our programme includes: advice on where to go; monthly Family Wild Walks; workshops to learn outdoor skills; events to bring families together; Outdoor Family Camping holidays; renting out and lending camping gear and supporting London's National Park City. During lockdown we've been sharing nature connection challenges and bringing families together via zoom.
Why is this important?
25% of London's children get a to a green space less than once a month. 21% of London households don't have gardens. In London, over 250,000 families live in overcrowded housing, many in poor conditions. Lack of access to green space is especially acute for BAME children, single parents and families with disabled children. Right now, children are even more cooped up, unable to meet up and play with their friends, and the effects on their mental health are only likely to get worse. Making time for outdoors is more important than ever.
Our impact on the community
We try to make all of our resources and projects free, so anyone, whatever their income, can access them. We have already, on a shoe-string, helped over 50 families become more 'outdoor people' in the last 6 years. The parents say we are 'a lifeline'. They say it helps them be calm as much as it does the children. They tell us that their children are more fascinated by the outdoor world, that they now try to get to the park every day. They are exploring further, and going for longer.
Every child has the right to play. We help families to help themselves make sure their children get outdoors every day!