Y Services run Forest School for young people to improve wellbeing

A youth work charity in Hampshire is delivering an exciting initiative that supports young people to get into nature

Y Services for young people developed a new initiative based in the outdoors that offers young people time, space and peace in a safe environment, with qualified youth workers on hand for wellbeing support. The Forest School gives the group a freedom that may not otherwise be available in their lives. 

 

Earlier this year, grants were awarded through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme to support co-created projects. These projects offer secondary school-aged young people opportunities to try different types of physical activity, create safe spaces, reduce isolation, and build confidence by engaging in new activities. This has been match funded by #BeeWell/The National Lottery Community Fund. Youth Matters, the HIPS youth steering group, sorted through those applications and made their recommendations.

The Forest School operates in a beautiful setting tucked away in the centre of a residential estate in Portchester, Fareham, where young people participate in den building, cooking over fires and outdoor group games.

 

    

The group have developed survival skills and increased their confidence and self-esteem, as well as building friendships and benefitting from a calm space away from distractions.

Since opening youth workers have built positive relationship with the young people accessing the project, it is clear that they have developed trust in the workers and the service and are comfortable sharing when they are struggling, finding life difficult and are overwhelmed.

Project outcomes

The project has seen a rise in demand for emotional support and professional guidance. So far young people have received one-to-one support during the session for:

• Friendship issues/breakdown in relationships and friendships
• Exam stress and worries
• Worries around school GCSE options
• Worries and upset relating to unhealthy lifestyles and weight/BMI
• Low mood
• Contraception and sexual health

Young people said “it was very fun and safe as we went through the rules” and   

“I really liked the den making, even though it was hard.”

As the season moves into Autumn they plan to use a battery flood light to allow them to still use the outdoor space as the young people love being in that environment!

Thanks to Y Services for supporting the needs of young people as identified through the #BeeWell findings.

You can find out more about all the projects that were commissioned here.