Judith Gidney - 11 August, 2024

Foundation’s First Support for a Life Enhancing Project

The Andrew Gidney Foundation is proud to announce that we have funded much-needed resources for the Young Person-centred project ‘Step into Nature’ spearheaded by The Outdoor Collaborative. They will be using the tablets to teach young people to edit images and become more familiar with digital media. This is the first project the Foundation has been able to support and we are delighted to offer this help.

Their recent project "Step into Nature" is a dynamic initiative aimed at empowering disadvantaged young people by facilitating outdoor experiences and offering digital media training. The project is taking place over a span of 12 months, commencing in January 2024, with activities scheduled throughout the year to accommodate the different seasons. Outdoor excursions have been organized in various parks, including Heaton Park, Alexandra Park, and Tandle Hill Park, providing a broad spectrum of natural settings for the participants to explore and appreciate. The choice of parks will allow them to introduce young people to diverse ecosystems and cultivate their love for the outdoors.

The Outdoor Collaborative was founded in June 2018 by four passionate trustees rooted in the communities of Saddleworth, Greater Manchester.

Drawing from their love for the British countryside, they discovered the transformative power of guided walks on mental health. Witnessing the positive impact firsthand, they envisioned a unique approach to outdoor experiences for young adults.

They offer a dynamic platform for individuals, especially young people, to not only develop essential life skills but also open doors to future employment opportunities. Through their outings, creative work becomes stepping stones showcased to potential employers, providing a tangible path to success.

They are more than just a charity; they genuinely care about the well-being of the young people they serve. By encouraging them to embrace the outdoors and unleash their creativity, they contribute to improved mental health and an enhanced overall quality of life.

The Andrew Gidney Foundation is delighted to be able to support this very valuable project and Collaborative and will update you on their progress as the project continues. We are now open to supporting other projects that aim to enhance young people’s lives. If you are involved in such a project, please get in touch. If you wish to help us support please donate via the donation page.

The "Step into Nature" project aims to inspire a new generation of environmentally conscious individuals and media-savvy, empowered youth.