Wilderness Foundation UK’s Mental Health Programme for Young People Recognised with High Sheriff’s Shield 

The Wilderness Foundation in Chatham Green has been honoured with the prestigious High Sheriff’s Shield at the annual Essex High Sheriff’s Awards.  

This recognition is part of a broader award of funding where £162,000 was awarded to 30 charities across the county, celebrating their exceptional contributions to the community. 

The Wilderness Foundation was selected from these charities to receive the High Sheriff’s Shield in recognition of its work helping to build emotional resilience of vulnerable young people through outdoor based experiences and connections with nature. 

£5,000 was also awarded to their TurnAround Programme, a transformative 9-month mental health support initiative aimed at young people aged 15-21. This programme works within nature and uses wilderness therapy, mentoring and a series of personal development workshops to provide vulnerable young people with the tools and support needed to navigate personal challenges, build resilience, and overcome barriers that may be impacting their lives. Ultimately TurnAround aims to help young people build sustainable and positive futures.  

CEO of the Wilderness Foundation, Jo Roberts, was joined by three graduates  who have benefited from the programme to attend the ceremony and accept the award. They were hugely excited by the event as well and enjoyed talking to people at the event about their experiences of the programme and the Foundation. 

In addition to the Shield, the Foundation also received a £5,000 funding grant to continue the programme in the coming year, ensuring that even more young people can access this vital support and get the most from it. 

The Turnaround Programme, running since 2007,  has already had a profound impact on many young lives, offering them a safe space to grow and thrive whilst also learning how to care for and love the natural world. With the continued backing of the High Sheriff’s Shield, the Wilderness Foundation is set to build on its success and offer hope to more young people facing difficult circumstances. 

Jo Roberts, CEO of Wilderness Foundation UK said: “We are so grateful to the High Sheriffs Fund for supporting TurnAround this year. This funding means we can keep helping vulnerable young people who are struggling with life’s challenges, giving them the confidence and skills to take control of their futures. Through mentoring, wilderness therapy, and outdoor skills, we give them the confidence and support to turn their lives around. Every bit of funding helps us reach more young people, giving them a second chance and a brighter future. Thank you for believing in our work and the amazing young people we support.”