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The Outdoor Partnership works with clubs, schools, individuals, and cross-sector partners to strengthen the conditions that enable people in Plymouth to achieve their potential through outdoor activities, participation, volunteering, training, and education

Stuart Jones - Plymouth Outdoor Activities Development Officer

Stuart Jones is our Plymouth Outdoor Activities Development Officer.

If you’d like to know more or are an outdoor activity club that would like to get involved, please contact Stuart on 07742 875302 or stuart.jones@outdoorpartnership.co.uk

Or find out more Using Stuarts LinkTree : https://tr.ee/2fVVPcaWUx

 

The Outdoor Partnership has been bringing people and organisations together across Plymouth to create more opportunities and lasting impact. Here’s a quick look at what we’ve achieved lately…

Opening Plymouth’s Ocean to SEND Young People

In Summer 2026, SEND young people in Plymouth experienced sailing for the first time through a partnership between Horizons Sailing, Routeways and The Outdoor Partnership.

Supported by Sport England funding, the programme removed barriers to participation by providing inclusive sailing sessions, dedicated support staff and trained volunteers. Young people built confidence, learned new skills and developed a connection with Plymouth’s coastline in a safe and welcoming environment.

The success of the programme has sparked plans to expand opportunities in 2027, creating a lasting pathway for SEND young people to access the water, build independence and enjoy the benefits of outdoor activity.

Opening Plymouth’s Ocean to SEND Young People
Walking Into Wild Swimming Project

In summer 2026, the Outdoor Partnership Plymouth supported a new collaboration between YMCA Plymouth’s Wellbeing Walks group and outdoor instructor Cathy Harshaw. What began as a simple idea—“Could we learn to wild swim?” – grew into a four‑week programme blending walking, swimming, confidence‑building and shared adventure across the South West Coast Path and Dartmoor.

This project demonstrates Outdoor Partnership principles in action: strong partnerships, community-led design, accessible progression, and supporting people to build lifelong connections with the outdoors.  

Discover more about the project and the partnerships behind it here:
Walking Into Wild Swimming - A Partnership Journey in Plymouth
416 KB, PDF
Families Discover Plymouth's Coast

During summer 2026, over 30 children and adults from refugee, asylum seeker and migrant families took part in a series of coastal walks and rock-pooling sessions across Plymouth. Delivered by ODILS Plymouth, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and The Outdoor Partnership, the project helped families explore Plymouth’s coastline safely and confidently, many for the first time. Participants learned about local wildlife, sea safety and the area’s coastal environment while spending quality time outdoors together.

By covering transport costs and providing guided activities, the programme removed barriers to participation and helped families build confidence, improve wellbeing, connect with their local community, and feel more able to enjoy Plymouth’s beaches and coastal spaces independently.

 

Following the success of the programme, partners are now exploring opportunities to continue and expand the project in summer 2027.

Youth‑Led Outdoor Adventures in Keyham

Designed by young people, for young people, this Keyham programme is helping 23 children and young people build confidence, learn new skills and connect with nature through activities including paddleboarding, bell-boating, camping, walking and water safety. Delivered through a partnership of local organisations and supported by Sport England funding, the programme provides safe, inclusive outdoor experiences for young people facing significant challenges, including SEND and SEMH needs.

Partnerships making it possible:

  • Keyham Green Places Community Centre
  • Wellbeing Warriors
  • PL2KYDZ Youth Group
  • Mount Batten Centre
  • Dartmoor National Park & Moorland Guides
  • Incredible Edible

By putting youth voice at the heart of delivery, the project is helping young people develop independence, improve wellbeing, gain new skills and build lasting connections with their local environment.

Young Adult Carers Outdoor Wellbeing Project

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.
Moondogz

Using the Partnership’s club development framework, Stuart helped establish : MoonDogz

The Mental Health Kayaking Support Group offers a safe, supportive space for adults experiencing mental health challenges, using kayaking and time in nature to build wellbeing and healthy coping strategies.

Sessions help people relax, learn new skills, meet others and grow confidence. We provide guidance, accreditation and training to support the group’s development.

The group uses a private Facebook community to protect members’ privacy. If you’re interested in joining or learning more, please contact Stuart Jones using the details above.

Horizons Sailing and Mayflower Specials

The new Special Olympics Plymouth & District (SOPD) sailing section, delivered in partnership with Horizon Sailing Charity, is now a thriving programme offering regular, structured sessions on the water. Athletes are building confidence, developing new skills and enjoying meaningful social connections, with many beginning to explore local competition opportunities and long‑term pathways within Special Olympics.

To support sustainable growth, a new team of volunteers has been recruited and trained with guidance from the Royal Yachting Association. They now work alongside local coaches to deliver year‑round inclusive sport.

The impact is already clear: former participants have re‑engaged, new members have joined after hearing about the sessions, and feedback shows improved wellbeing and growing confidence. Several athletes have achieved water‑safety and introductory skills certificates, with more now training for integrated sessions and future competitions. Initial funding has helped establish a strong foundation for continued development, keeping inclusive sailing accessible in Plymouth for years to come.