ESG Report 2022 single pages web - Flipbook - Page 52
Social (continued)
THE OUTWARD BOUND TRUST
The Outward Bound Trust was established in 1941, and is
a leading educational charity that uses the great outdoors
to help young people from all walks of life develop. They
provide adventurous training courses so young people
can learn the social and emotional skills that will play
a pivotal role in how they navigate the challenges of
adolescence and beyond. The aim is for young people
to return home with a stronger sense of self-belief,
empowered with the attitudes, skills and behaviours they
need to make positive change in their lives.
67%
66%
66%
of young people reported
improvements in confidence
of young people reported an
increase in their ability to cope
in challenging situations
of young people reported
improvements in resilience
In FY21, seven RWS ambassadors accompanied 96
young people from two London schools to develop
their capabilities and unlock their potential through an
Outward Bound Trust course. The young people attended
a five-day course at residential centres in Ullswater, Lake
District, and Aberdovey, Snowdonia, where they had the
opportunity to push themselves outside their comfort
zone and try new things, increase their confidence levels,
build relationships and develop their resilience.
Whilst there, the ambassadors acted as positive role
models to the young people and provided emotional and
practical support during their course.
Over the course of the week, the young people were
immersed in a natural environment that contrasted with
their home environments; providing new experiences and
creating lasting memories as they took part in activities,
such as canoeing, gorge walking, rock climbing and an
overnight expedition. Through each challenge, the young
people developed their confidence and self-belief, and
developed communication skills and problem-solving
skills as they learnt to work together as a team to achieve
success. Overcoming each challenge enabled the young
people to develop their perseverance and ability to cope
with setbacks, and pushed them to achieve more than
they originally thought they were capable of.
Teacher – [He] demonstrated an enthusiastic and positive
mindset [and] faced his fears which he shared with the
students.
Teacher – [They] shared their experiences and checked on
the students’ wellbeing, keeping the group together.
Teacher – [The Ambassador contributed to learning]
by demonstrating a positive and enthusiastic attitude
throughout activities, supporting students where needed,
[and] developing a good rapport with students.
The young people were asked to complete a questionnaire
at the end of their course in order to assess the key
outcomes.
The feedback gathered indicates that the Outward Bound
Trust experience improved the young people’s confidence,
resilience and ability to manage emotional challenges.
Teacher – There was a clear shift of attitude in several
students when asked to try something new. It went from an
instant “can't do” attitude to “I’ll give it a go”.
Ella, age 12 – I learnt that I could do anything if I put my
mind to it, even if it will take a few days.
Abbie, age 14 – [I learnt] that I am able to work in a team
and get over my fears. It can be challenging but eventually
you can figure it out and adjust.
Sam, age 12 – I did things that I didn’t think I could do,
and I learnt that if I try, I can achieve things.
Keisha, age 14 – [I learnt] that not everyone thinks how
you think and not everyone has the same mindset, but you
just have to be patient.
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RWS — ESG Report 2022
SOCIAL
