1st November 2021
The Kepplewray Trust operates an outdoor activities centre in Broughton-in-Furness and focusses on inclusion for all, particularly for young people living with the effects of disability, disadvantage or other barriers holding them back from mainstream outdoor activities.
The centre offers tailor-made challenging residential and day courses to groups and individuals including schools, holiday clubs and local community groups. The charity offers a bursary scheme and a grant of £3,000 from the Kirkby Moor Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund allowed more young people from low-income or disadvantaged groups to participate.
Each year, hundreds of participants from across Cumbria and the wider North West enjoy climbing, abseiling, bush craft, wild camping, archery, kayaking, raft-building and more, boosting their confidence, building skills, and gaining a sense of achievement.
Subsidies of at least 50% mean that daily activities are available from as little as £10, and residential activity breaks from £25.
Lou Andrews, a youth worker at CancerCare supports young people affected by cancer or bereavement. After taking the group to the centre, she said: “We’ve seen smiles again, heard laughter and we’ve all appreciated the fun that we’ve been able to have together during the stresses and strains that the pandemic has brought into our lives. The days we spent doing team games and climbing have been magical and allowed our group to relax, enjoy nature, build relationships and get away from all the issues they are facing at home.”
Nick Breton, Strategic Director at Kepplewray Trust, said: “We want to include and welcome many who can’t afford, or who haven’t experienced and benefitted from this type of challenge. Our bursary scheme is a huge step forward in this respect, allowing many hundreds of disadvantaged young people to come, many or most for their first time.”