Black Dog Adventures
We all know the benefits that getting outdoors more often can bring. When we're feeling run down we grab our harness or our bike, maybe strap on our running shoes or throw our kayaks in the river. Whatever it is, we know that we'll always head home feeling refreshed and revitalised. Smiles on our faces from a day of adventure.
For some, getting outdoors isn't that easy. If you're living in a city centre it can be difficult get away from the hussle and bussle, especially if you've had no introduction to the outdoors, where to go and what benefits it can bring in the first place. It might not even be on your radar as something you can enjoy. That's where Community Interest Companies (CIC) can play a vital role, putting social and environmental issues first and making a difference to people's lives. Black Dog Adventures CIC aims to do just that, putting the wellbeing of those in the local community first by running outdoor courses, such as in climbing and moutain biking, for those who may otherwise not have the opportunity to take part in such activities.
Based in Worcestershire, Black Dog Adventures CIC offer a wide range of outdoor courses specifically for youth groups in the surrounding deprived areas. Stu Mees, founder of Black Dog Adventures and Chair of theMidlandsregionof the Institute of Outdoor Learning got in touch with us at the Alpkit Foundation to tell us a little more about what he hopes to achieve:
"We aim to deliveralong term programmeof activity and personal development for young people in a disadvantaged area allowing access to the outdoors and access to healthy and life-changing activities. The Black Dog Adventures team all firmly believe that a re-connection with nature and the outdoors has a positive effect on mental health.Getting out for a walk, a ride, or even a climb with like-minded people is a great way to stave off and reduce mental distress."
We're thrilled to be able to support Stu and the Black Dog Adventures team with a cash award enable them to purchaseclimbing equipment sothey cansupport local youth and school groups through instructor lead climbing experiences.