Nicole’s story
We are raising funds for our Explore More programme, which is an intensive personal development programme that culminates in a 7-day trip to the south of France for some of our most vulnerable young people. The programme is designed to develop crucial life skills and inspire young people to return with renewed motivation and self-respect to channel into their behaviours and decision-making on their returns.
Mornings on the residential programme start at 7 am and are dedicated to farm work; in the afternoons the young people participate in adventure activities such as mountain hikes, mountain running, canyoning and diving board jumping. Being immersed in the French countryside, visiting the local town and trying home-cooked French cuisine each night, enables the young people, many of whom have never travelled abroad before, to also gain a cultural and environmental appreciation of a foreign country.
On return to the UK, we continue to work with the young people to remind them of the personal progress each made throughout the programme and motivate them towards continuing this development in shaping bright futures for themselves.
Participant feedback from the 2019 camps clearly show the huge value they took from the experience:
How did you end up finding the whole experience? Was it different to what you expected?
“Way different – not sure what expected but found the experience amazing”
What was the most important thing you took from the trip?
“Didn’t think I’d make it up the mountain – felt happy when I achieved it!”
“A new sense of responsibilities”
Do you think the things you took from the trip have changed you in any way now you’re back?
“Yes - can now open up more to other people and rather than saying I can’t do things, now know that I can”
“Yes – behaviour, overall respect”
These residentials are made possible by the philanthropy of Mr Voorvaart, a Dutch entrepreneur and olive farmer, who generously hosts the young people at his olive farm, covers our transport, food and accommodation costs and provides a programme of activities with trained guides. However, we are required to fund passport applications for the young people, insurance, materials and staffing costs.
We need to raise £4,200 to fund a trip in September. We have already received £400 from the Mulberry, Didcot, so we need to raise another £3,800 for the trip to go ahead as planned. Please give what you can and share this fundraising page with friends and family who you think may also be want to donate.Thank you!
Update 12 August: Thanks to a very generous grant from Turners Court Youth Trust and matched giving from Legal & General, we have exceeded our goal. The flights have been booked and our young people will be off to France for the experience of their life time in September. Thank you all so much for your support!
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