Young people throughout Essex are poised to benefit from enhanced support following the allocation of a significant new grant. The Chelmsford-based charity, Wilderness Foundation UK, has been awarded a substantial £22,000 to bolster its crucial TurnAround initiative.
Supporting Youth Through Wilderness Therapy
This vital programme provides nine months of immersive wilderness therapy specifically designed for individuals aged 16 to 24 who are grappling with mental health difficulties or complex social issues. The therapeutic approach aims to offer a transformative experience in natural settings.
Part of a Wider Funding Initiative
The award forms part of a larger £463,524 funding pot distributed among 27 local organisations committed to safeguarding young people across the county. These grants are administered by the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit, with the primary objectives of reducing criminal activity and fostering positive youth development.
Roger Hirst MBE, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex who also chairs the Violence and Vulnerability Partnership, extended his congratulations to all the charitable organisations receiving funding. He emphasised the critical role of local groups, stating: "Local organisations at the heart of Essex communities understand the unique needs of the communities they work with; they understand what tools and resources young people need to stay safe. The community grant recognises this and allows local groups to deliver fantastic, tailored work delivering positive change and tangible results."
Hirst further highlighted the broader impact, adding: "This funding will make a real impact not only to the lives of the young people benefitting, but also in contributing to making Essex a safer place to live and grow up in."
Charity Leader Highlights Programme Impact
Jo Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of Wilderness Foundation UK, expressed her gratitude for the support, noting: "The funding and support we have received through the VVU team has been vital to the TurnAround programme. It allows us to reach young vulnerable people at a critical point in their lives."
Roberts elaborated on the challenges faced by participants, explaining: "These young people face complex challenges, who often feel disconnected from education, society and themselves. By investing in TurnAround and the young people we support, the VVU’s funding has allowed us to offer safe, therapeutic spaces where young people rebuild trust, develop resilience and begin to see a future they can believe in."
Future Programme Rollout
The TurnAround project is scheduled to operate between April 2026 and March 2027. Furthermore, similar supportive initiatives are planned for launch in every district across Essex, ensuring widespread access to these vital services for young residents throughout the county.
