Out There Academy

A non-residential, nature-based programme for young people aged 11-15 who are struggling with school, behavioural issues, relationships and emotional resilience.

We support them to get back on track.

What we do

Out There is a transformational, personal development programme for youth ages 11–15 or specialist groups of other ages/disabilities.

Out There is suitable for young people who are:

  • Struggling to engage and stay in school
  • Struggling with anxiety around school
  • At risk of suspension leading to exclusion
  • Struggling with family and relationship issues
  • Finding boundaries to be a challenge
  • Experiencing low-level mental health issues
  • Engaging in risky behaviours
  • Getting involved in anti-social behaviours

Our programme consists of outdoor activities followed by one-to-one support, if needed, helping young people to get back on track in school, at home, and in the community.

As an experienced provider we are able to provide the Out There programmes, during school term time, where time spent on the programme can be counted as time in school. Click here for our Alternative Education Provision – Schools Pack.

The sessions run from 10am-3pm, one day a week, for six weeks during school term time.

Out There in Action

Time: 10.00-15.00
Schedule: 1 day a week for 6 weeks
Group Size: Max 8 People
Locations: Chatham Green/Mann Wood, Chelmsford

CLICK HERE – Online Referral Form

See below for Referrals dates for each cohort
For further information including Emergency Mental Health Support please click here

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2026 Cohort Sessions and Referral Dates

OUT THERE 1
13-15yrs
Thursdays

5th Feb – 19th Mar
FULL

OUT THERE 2

13-15yrs
Fridays

6th Feb – 20th Mar
FULL

OUT THERE 3

11-12yrs
Mondays

9th Mar – 27th April
FULL

OUT THERE 4

13-15yrs
Wednesdays

15th April – 20th May
FULL

OUT THERE 5

11-12yrs
Fridays

8th May – 19th June
Referrals paused

OUT THERE 6

13-15yrs
Wednesdays

3rd June – 8th July
Referrals paused

OUT THERE 7

11-15yrs
Mondays

14th Sept – 19th Oct
Referrals open 22/6

OUT THERE 8

11-15yrs
Thursdays

17th Sept – 22nd Oct
Referrals open 25/6

OUT THERE 9

11-15yrs
Thursdays

5th Nov – 10th Dec
Referrals open 10/9

The Programme

Throughout the programme we help build communication skills and teach strategies for coping with difficult situations, stress management and emotional control.

Out There participants encounter the natural environment at our 40 acre site in Chatham Green, Essex. In small groups facilitated by certified outdoor facilitators, participants engage in hands-on activities that challenge their minds, develop their social skills, and feed their emotional needs. Activities include:

  • Team Challenges, Wilderness Survival Skills and Bushcraft Skills
  • Nature Immersion and Conservation
  • Local hikes, including cooking lunch over a wood fire
  • Group discussions and individual exercises
  • Mindfulness and stress management training

After the six weeks at Chatham Green, Out There participants return to their home schools or other situations—but they don’t go alone. They have access to additional support and signposting if needed.

We are really pleased with how Tom* has started to re-engage being back at school. He seems more focused and motivated and even better presented. We’re keen to capture this positive change as we can see him wanting to do well again with his current individualised timetable.

On speaking to his parents they have also noted a more positive attitude and outlook and have reported back on how much he has enjoyed his time on this programme. (* name has been changed)

Martin Bunyan - KS4 Coordinator, Mayflower High School

MT has absolutely thrived since attending the sessions with you. He has spoken with enthusiasm and genuine pride when relaying the tasks that he has been given the opportunity to take part in.

We have seen a significant change in him since his sessions and he has shown a higher level of engagement and drive in school and towards his overall studies.

Thank you for working so well with him and helping us get him back on track. I know that MT will not forget his sessions and the valuable lessons he has learnt about himself and his own ability.

Kerrie Draper - Assistant Headteacher, Great Baddow High School

Information for Schools and Parents

Our aim is to provide a different environment in which young people have the opportunity to learn useful life skills in an outdoor setting. This might be a clearing in our woods, inside our safari tent or under a parachute around a camp fire. As well as life skills young people will engage in a number of physical activities aimed at improving fitness, confidence, team working skills, and social skills.

A common thread running through the entire programme is the enhancement of respect for self, others and the environment. As such, the majority of the sessions will take place in an outdoor context where participants will be challenged, mentally, emotionally and physically.

  • An offer letter will be sent to parent/carer after a place is offered
  • Full payment is required before the first session unless the place is already funded.
  • Schools / parents will need to provide transport to and from the programme.
  • As part of the programme we will provide lunch for the group to cook over a fire but schools/parents are welcome to provide alternative snacks and refreshments.
  • If a young person is excluded from school we hope that they will still attend Out There.
  • If a young person misses more than two sessions they will be asked to attend the next intake rather than carry on.
  • A summary report shall be provided to the referrer after the last session upon request.
  • Extra costs will incur if an extra report is required or we are required to attend any meetings for the young person. (Only applies to self-funded places)

Outcomes     

Our Out There Wilderness Academy Programme has been monitored and evaluated by the University of Essex. Intended outcomes for young people include:

Increased confidence, self-esteem, emotional resilience and physical and mental wellbeing

Improved practical, social and emotional skills to support them back into education and reduce social isolation

Understanding relationships, learning to deal with conflict and the benefits of teamwork and open communication

Engage in positive and constructive behaviour, showing respect for themselves and their environment

FUNDING     

Delivered with support from the PFCC for Essex as part of the Community Safety Development Fund programme and The National Lottery Community Fund

This is an opportune time to thank you, and your colleagues, for the fantastic experiences you have given several youngsters I have referred to The Wilderness Foundation. All of them have enjoyed themselves throughout their programmes. What shows the impact they have had on their lives is the fact that they speak so favourably about it when talking to other learners who are being offered the opportunity. Several have matured in that they show far more self-confidence and awareness of others.

The follow up mentoring sessions are excellent. The mentors show real empathy and appreciation of the challenges faced by our youngsters. The professional relationships I have developed with the mentors has often led to me having an even greater understanding of the young people I work with.

The opportunities offered by the Foundation are now an important tool in our work with vulnerable youngsters, and the relationships built up between school and its staff are a bonus.

Craig Robertson, Family Learning Team, Honywood Community Science School

I had referred a number of vulnerable young people to the Out There Project.
All participants have been accepted and the feedback that I have received has been extremely positive.

The Wilderness Foundation has offered life chances and experiences to those young people that they may not have had, if it were not for the service on offer.
The change in attitude of the young people that I have supported has been amazing.

One in particular has thrived on the course so much, that he recently won an award at school for most improved student. I will continue to refer young people to this programme and hope that it continues to be run, but most importantly the funding remains in place. Colleagues in my service have also had similar outcomes and the shared view of The Wilderness Foundation and the Out There project has been one of importance to remain.

I look forward to working alongside your service again the future.

Neal Francis, Family Solutions, Mid Team Braintree & Witham

Refer a young person      

For further information on our youth interventions, please email us or call 0300 123 3073. To refer a student to the Out There Wilderness Academy, please check the referral dates listed above, stating when you can complete our online referral form for each cohort.

100%

100% of referral agencies we asked, responded that they would refer again

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