Every child deserves the chance to feel free, to play and to grow in a safe and nurturing environment.
For children like Sophie*, a Go Beyond break is the only opportunity she gets to stretch her legs, feel the sun on her face, run around until she’s exhausted and fill up on a hearty home cooked meal at the end of the day. With the alarming rise of mental health conditions in children and young people, there is a direct correlation between time spent outdoors and improved mental health. For too many children, overwhelming challenges at home make it difficult for them to find moments of peace and joy in the outdoors. Simply put, children need to spend more time outdoors.
Through a residential break in the heart of nature, we are giving children like Sophie the chance to step away from their everyday struggles and discover themselves. When Sophie joined us, her world was chaotic. At just nine years old, she was navigating the effects of addiction and mental health struggles in her family, leaving her little opportunity to simply be a child. At school her emotions often overwhelmed her, leading to isolation and frustration. Recognising the need for urgent support, Sophie was referred by her teacher for a life-changing week with Go Beyond.
Over the course of her week with Go Beyond, Sophie transformed.
She felt calm
Over the week, our break leaders helped Sophie find ways to feel calm, drawing strength from the supportive environment and beauty of the outdoors
She made friends
For the first time in a long while, Sophie felt a genuine sense of belonging as she bonded with other children who understood what she was going through. Fun, laughter and friendship replaced her feelings on loneliness and isolation.
She tried new things
A nature walk through the Gardens of Heligan sparked Sophie’s curiosity. Exploring gave her a healthy, positive focus moving forward.
Her confidence grew
Sophie’s confidence bloomed as she tackled new challenges like scaling the rock climbing wall. Each small win gave her a greater sense of accomplishment and self-belief.
A precious sense of freedom
On her last day, Sophie skipped across the beach, kite in hand with a smile that stretched from ear to ear. For her, it symbolised hope, freedom and the start of brighter days ahead.
Nature makes a difference
There is an urgent need to do more. Studies show that just 20 minutes a day spent in nature reduces feelings of stress and anxiety, some of our top referral reasons. A key element of our breaks is time away from screens, being more active and embracing the wonder of the outdoors. We want our children to be fully immersed in their break, unburdened from digital distractions and online pressures. We hear from teachers that refer to us how the time spent outdoors on a Go Beyond break truly makes a difference. After a break, children return with renewed confidence and a fresh enthusiasm for learning, ready to engage in the classroom.
Thank you for everything you have made possible so far. Your continued support enables us to provide these life-changing breaks to more children who desperately need them.
*Names and some details have been changed to protect the children.
