Our Impact
Helping young people grow and giving them the chance to achieve more than they thought possible, whatever their background.
Creating Impact
In pushing our young explorers out of their comfort zones and into a world they may not have experienced, we've seen positive impact across all aspects of their lives!
Growing Confidence & Self-Belief
"Over the week we have seen all children grow in resilience and confidence and most of all happiness."
- Youth Worker
Connecting with Others
"They have made lasting friendships and this has made the young people more confident, resilient, less isolated, happier and healthier. We will continue to build on the skills they have developed here."
- Youth Carers Support Worker
Developing Communication Skills
"Over the week every child overcame a fear they had when they first arrived. Each day confidence grew and children challenged themselves further. Over the week communications skills increased, demonstrated by young people explaining their feelings."
- Youth Worker
Looking back over the past year...
Thanks to the support of our funders and the hard work of the Hebridean Pursuits Outdoor Learning staff and freelancers, over the past year:
422
Young people laced up their hiking boots and got outdoors in 2025
326
Healthy home-cooked meals were eaten on residentials
150
Wetsuits were squeezed into to splash in the sea
“Outdoor education is one of the most valuable and rewarding learning experiences that a school pupil can have.”
- Liz Smith, MP
In Scotland, one in four children lives in poverty, affecting their physical and mental health, education, and access to opportunities. Physical inactivity compounds these issues: 22% of UK 15-year-olds report no exercise before or after school, one of the highest rates in Europe.
We aim to tackle the growing wellbeing crisis facing young people by providing positive, life-enhancing outdoor experiences; helping them to build confidence, resilience, and the foundations they need to reach their full potential. Activities are more than personal adventure; they are about personal growth.
Impact Testimonials
We have countless testimonials of how participating in projects with us has benefitted young people in all sorts of ways! Each story is personal and unique, but at the root all our brave explorers were able to grow in confidence and take time developing themselves with nature as the setting!
"I pushed myself a lot and did things I wouldn't usually do and realise I should trust myself to do things I'm not used to and to just push myself and try harder."
Pupil at Oban High School
age 14
"Necessary break for my mental state - socialising and enjoying life and giving myself time to breathe. Thank you very much to Andy and Jo for being amazing, very knowledgeable and showing actual care for us, remembering us and things we do."
Young Adult Carer
age 24
"By introducing them to unfamiliar environments and encouraging them to overcome new mental and physical challenges, in a positive manner, I think they have started to understand that they are capable of more than expected."
Youth Care Support Worker
on one of our residentials
Impact Reports
Having been
2022-23 Report
We supported 292 young people over 129 days and ran 13 residentials.
Read more below!
2023-24 Report
We supported 429 young people over 115 days and ran 15 residentials.
Read more below!
2024-25 Report
We supported 422 young people and 22 adults in projects over 75 days. Read more below!
DownloadFor every young person we work with, we know there are many more who would benefit from our outdoor experiences.
Funding from charitable trusts, grant makers and generous businesses & individuals, is vital for us as an organisations as it means we don’t have to turn anyone away. If you’d like to help us reach and positively impact the lives of more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, please donate.