Why we do it
Tony passionately believed that young people should get to experience the great outdoors and benefit from its positive influence. So much so that he and his wife Tricia started their own outdoor activity centre, Mill On The Brue, which continues to develop, educate and entertain children, over 35 years later.
Rukky's story highlights how profound an effect outdoor activity courses can have on a young person's confidence and self-belief. Having arrived in Britain aged 14 from one of the world's most impoverished and dangerous countries, she has delivered speeches at Buckingham Palace and a Government led Skills and Employability conference in Westminster. An incredible woman, she learned to challenge her fears on an Outward Bound course that we helped fund.
Sadly, too many young people are unable to take advantage of these experiences due to funding. The Tony Trust was established to help these children and, at the time of writing, we have helped over 100 children go on courses.
Every year, more supporting evidence is published on the benefits of attending an outdoor activity centre. These include:
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Improved Self Belief and Achievement: Even if young people have not achieved at school for a variety of reasons – being in the outdoors gives them the opportunity to try new experiences, new challenges and stretch themselves mentally and physically.
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Boosts Mental Well Being: Countless studies demonstrate clear links between regular physical activities and reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
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Increased Creativity: Backpackers scored 50% better on a creativity test after 4 days in nature according to a study by psychologists from the University of Utah and University of Kansas.
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Stronger Resilience: The challenges of outward activity centres require young people to step outside they comfort zone, requiring both mental and physical resilience. The Australian Journal of Outdoor Education published a study on the enhancement of resilience via a Wilderness Therapy Program. Results showed that resilience significantly improved following the program.
Please help us help more young people to benefit from these great courses and donate here.