181 Young People Benefit from UK Youth ‘Adventures Away from Home’ Funding at Cobnor Activities Centre Trust

Based in Chichester Harbour, Cobnor Activities Centre supported 181 young people through the latest round of UK Youth’s Adventures Away from Home programme, delivered in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The funding enabled 94 day visits and 87 two-night residential places between October and April, including programmes delivered during the October and February half terms and a dedicated weekend in March.

The programme supports under-represented young people aged 11–18 (or up to 25 for those with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities). Participants were referred by local schools, support groups and youth organisations, including Glenwood MLD School, Ormiston Six Villages Academy, Horndean Technology College, Creative Beatz, Chichester Boys Club, MOTIV8 South, the Big Knicker Gang and Bognor Youth and Community Club. Participants included Looked After Children, Young Carers, refugees and young people facing social or academic challenges.

Activities included raft building, aeroball, archery, pioneering, high ropes and crate stacking on our new climbing facility. Each day included shared meals, while evenings featured inclusive programmes and group activities. For many participants, it was their first residential or outdoor activity experience.

One 13-year-old participant said: “I had so much fun at the Cobnor Activities Centre this week. Staying away from home for a couple of nights was a big deal for me, but it turned out to be a great experience. We laughed a lot and made some amazing memories.”

Data from post-visit participant evaluation surveys highlights the programme’s impact:

• 97% of respondents said they ‘loved everything’ about their visit
• 84% reported learning something about themselves, particularly resilience and confidence
• 43% were participating in an outdoor activity centre experience for the first time
• 55% tried a new outdoor activity
• 77% of participants met eligibility criteria for Pupil Premium or Free School Meals
• 88% were receiving support from external agencies
• 22 participants identified as Young Carers
• 13 participants were Children in Care

One parent commented: “Cobnor Activities Centre builds resilience, confidence and trust. Children conquer fears, discover strengths and form lasting friendships. It’s a remarkable experience and wonderful opportunity.”

Partner organisations also reported measurable improvements in group dynamics and peer relationships. Chris Williams of Chichester Boys Club said: “We saw a significant improvement in relationships and communication between our young people. Some special bonds and friendships were made on that trip and sometimes that is all it takes.”

Caroline Fisk, Education Lead at Cobnor Activities Centre said, “This funding has enabled us to reach young people who might otherwise never access outdoor day or residential experiences. Many arrived feeling anxious; they left more confident, more connected and more aware of their own capabilities. The programme has strengthened partnerships with local schools and charities and demonstrated the transformative power of inclusive outdoor learning. It has also provided a sustainable model for delivering provision during our quieter months, allowing us to plan confidently for future programmes and funding.”

Established in the 1950s by Martin Beale, Cobnor Activities Centre Trust was founded to ensure access to character-building outdoor education for young people. The success of this programme provides a strong foundation for securing future funding and expanding opportunities for disadvantaged young people.

To find out more about Cobnor Activities Centre Trust and its programmes, visit www.cobnor.com. To support its work donate to the Martin Beale Bursary Fund. For further information about funded programmes, please contact [email protected].