With just a month remaining, a heartfelt plea is going out to the communities of Swindon, Wiltshire and Somerset – and time is very much of the essence.
The Youth Adventure Trust, a locally based charity that supports vulnerable young people aged 11 to 16, is calling for urgent help to reach the final stretch of its Unlocking Adventure appeal. Having already raised enough to fund 46,041 hours of supervised outdoor activities this summer, the team is now hoping to secure the final 9,959 hours – a target that could make a world of difference to dozens of young lives.
These aren’t just any hours. Each one is part of a structured programme designed to build resilience, confidence, and hope among children facing everything from poverty and neglect to bereavement and poor mental health. Activities such as mountain expeditions, bivouacking in woodlands, and scaling cliffs are all delivered in a safe and supportive environment by trained staff and volunteers.
The goal? To give young people a chance to step away from their daily struggles and experience something empowering and uplifting – often for the first time in their lives.
“This is a campaign rooted in our local community, for our local young people,” said Chief Executive Mark Davey. “We are proud of how far we’ve come, but the final 9,959 hours are critical. Without them, some of our most vulnerable young people may miss out on what could be the most empowering experience of their lives.”
The Youth Adventure Trust partners with schools and referral organisations across Somerset and Wiltshire to identify those who would benefit most. Their approach is long-term, personalised, and – perhaps most importantly – entirely free to the families involved.
With the summer holidays just around the corner, the message from the charity is clear: the clock is ticking, and support is needed now more than ever. Individuals, community groups, schools, and businesses are all being encouraged to chip in – whether that’s through a donation, sharing the campaign online, or simply spreading the word.
To find out more or make a donation, visit:
www.youthadventuretrust.org.uk/unlocking-adventure
Let’s help unlock those final hours – and ensure no child is left behind this summer.
