The Young Carers Adventure Programme uses outdoor adventure as a catalyst for improving wellbeing, building resilience and strengthening support networks for unpaid carers. While providing high-quality short breaks remains an important part of the programme, our wider aim is to address the systemic barriers that often prevent young carers from accessing opportunities for recreation, personal development and social connection.
Working in partnership with carers services, local authorities, health providers, schools and community organisations, we help embed outdoor activity within the wider support system available to young carers. This creates sustainable pathways into ongoing participation, volunteering, leadership and peer support, ensuring that the benefits extend far beyond individual activities and contribute to the long-term wellbeing of both carers and those they care for.
The programme began in Wales, where it has supported hundreds of young carers to access meaningful outdoor experiences. Over time, it has evolved into a model that is now being replicated across multiple regions of the UK, helping services recognise outdoor adventure as an effective tool for improving wellbeing, reducing isolation, building resilience and supporting positive life outcomes for young carers. Through this work, we are helping create a more connected and responsive system of support, where young carers are recognised not only for their caring responsibilities, but also as young people with their own aspirations, potential and right to thrive.
Read on to find out more about how the programme works, who it supports, and how it’s expanding to reach even more young carers across the UK.
The Short Breaks project, developed by The Outdoor Partnership, is delivered by development officers across every Welsh region. It provides young carers with meaningful respite through engaging, high‑quality outdoor activities.
Participants are young carers, identified and supported through close partnership with carer services. These services help encourage attendance and ensure appropriate care provision is in place while participants are enjoying their activity sessions.
The programmes, themed around areas such as Land and Water, offer access to a variety of outdoor activities. They highlight local surroundings, environmental awareness and safety, and often introduce young carers to experiences they may never have tried before. Starting as simple taster sessions, they have now evolved into full residentials.
Following success in Wales and shared learning between the regions, young carers programmes have now developed in other areas across the UK…
During the Summer, young carers joined us as part of a 6-week climbing program delivered in partnership with Warwick Climbing Wall.
The sessions enabled young people to develop their climbing and bouldering skills and mix with other young carers. The group grew in confidence and ability over the course of the program and would like to continue climbing moving forward. We are looking for further funding to enable this.
For more information or to get involved, contact our Coventry Outdoor Activities Development Officer, Sarah: sarah.ramsay@outdoorpartnership.co.uk.
For many young carers in South Ayrshire, daily life often revolves around supporting others. The sailing programme aboard the yacht ‘Taeping’, delivered in partnership with Ocean Sailing Scotland, offered something different – a chance to step away from routine, embrace adventure and discover new strengths.
For many, it was their first experience of sailing on a large yacht. Stepping outside their comfort zones helped build confidence and resilience as they adapted to new surroundings and took on unfamiliar responsibilities. Small achievements soon became big successes, whether mastering a new sailing skill, helping a teammate or overcoming nerves. The experience created friendships, lasting memories and a sense of achievement, leaving participants with greater self-confidence, new skills and the resilience to tackle future challenges.
For more information or to get involved, contact our Ayrshire Outdoor Activities Development Officer, Vince: vincent.mcwhirter@outdoorpartnership.co.uk
This project supports Young Adult Carers aged 18–25 at Improving Lives Plymouth, helping them build confidence, physical health, and mental wellbeing through outdoor activities. The activities offer a break from the pressures of the caring role, building skills, reducing stress, and encouraging connection with nature.
Highlights include:
- Bouldering course (6 weeks) – Eight participants completed the programme; three have since become independent members.
- Water confidence pathway – Progression from pool sessions to lido swimming and finally sea swimming.
- Paddleboarding course (6 weeks) – Delivered at Mount Batten Centre, building confidence and resilience on the water.
