Big news! The Barratt Foundation has committed £1 million over the next three years to support our work at Outward Bound. This is a huge boost for our mission to inspire young people to realise their potential through learning and adventure in the outdoors.

This latest commitment builds on the incredible £3.1 million that Barratt has already donated to Outward Bound. Their continued support means the world to us and shows just how much they believe in the life-changing power of the outdoors.

Changing Lives, Together

Our outdoor residential courses have already helped 1.2 million young people build confidence, resilience, and skills for life—and we’re just getting started. What makes us even prouder is that more than 80% of the young people we support receive financial assistance to make these experiences possible.

As our Corporate Partnerships Lead, Georgina Thow, puts it: "The pressure on charities continues to rise, with increased costs, competition and a surge in demand from those people who need our help...

At Outward Bound, corporate philanthropy isn't just a source of funding, it's a catalyst for unlocking our full potential. It's about forging genuine partnerships that combine financial support, advocacy and expertise, that ultimately has our mission at heart – helping inspire young people to realise their potential."

The Value of Outdoor Adventures

As part of our work with Barratt, we’ve been exploring why outdoor experiences matter so much to people. We commissioned research into how Brits view outdoor challenges, and the results really hit home:

• 23% of people said mental health is their main motivation for taking on an outdoor challenge.
• 19% said it’s the adventure that excites them, while 16% said physical fitness is their top reason.
• And nearly 70% of people believe shared outdoor experiences help them connect better with others.

But the research also highlighted some big challenges. A third of people (30%) said they don’t have time to get outdoors, with this rising to 36% among people in the ABC1 social group. Cost was a concern for 23%, while 15% said access to green spaces was their biggest barrier.

Our Chief Executive, Martin Davidson, summed it up perfectly: "This survey paints such a sobering picture of the pressures of modern life. ‘Mental health is top of people’s concerns, so much so that even something as physically challenging as outdoor adventure is seen by so many as being even better for mind than body. ‘And yet, despite the benefits of the great outdoors, too many people say they just don’t have the time for this."

Why This Partnership Matters

The Barratt Foundation shares our belief that outdoor learning and adventure are vital for young people. Andy Button-Stephens, Head of the Barratt Foundation, said: “We’re so proud to renew our partnership with Outward Bound by providing £1 million in support.

We are thrilled to renew our partnership with Outward Bound by providing an additional £1 million in support. This research highlights just how essential time spent outdoors is for young people and their mental wellbeing. Outward Bound offers a unique outlet for growth, enabling young people to connect, build meaningful relationships, and develop vital life skills that can transform their futures...

At the Barratt Foundation, we are passionate about unlocking potential and creating opportunities for young people to thrive. We are so proud to continue supporting the incredible work of Outward Bound."

Looking ahead

We couldn’t do what we do without the amazing support of partners like the Barratt Foundation. More than just a partnership built on hard hats and helmets, their generosity allows us to make outdoor adventures accessible to more young people and create experiences that truly change lives.