23 September 2017
UK Youth’s Patron HRH The Princess Royal and our President Nigel Mansell CBE visited our outdoor centre, Avon Tyrrell, in the New Forest, Hampshire on Friday 29th September. The pair were joined by local community and business leaders to celebrate the centre’s achievements in helping young people from Hampshire, Wiltshire and beyond to build bright futures.
During their visit, HRH The Princess Royal, Nigel and guests were taken on an exclusive guided tour of the Grade I Calendar building which needs modernisation and repair to meet its growing need and demand.
Guests, including senior representatives from PwC and Liverpool Victoria also had the opportunity to meet and hear from young people who have participated in outdoor learning programmes at Avon Tyrrell and developed key life skills, including self-awareness, resilience and confidence.
Nigel Mansell CBE, President of UK Youth said: “I love visiting Avon Tyrrell and meeting the inspiring young people it offers advice, training and support to. Young people learn in many different ways and we should not underestimate the value of outdoor learning and the life skills it helps build. It was great to see the support Avon Tyrrell received today from our Patron and local business leaders. For the centre to continue its vital work, it needs significant investment and today has offered hope for the future of Avon Tyrrell and thousands of young people across the UK.”
Avon Tyrrell was entrusted to the ‘Youth of the Nation’ in 1944 and officially opened by Princess Elizabeth in July 1949. Since then the unique and beautiful calendar house has supported thousands of young people every year to build bright futures. However, the 1950’s internal infrastructure is in poor condition, not fully accessible and the house has little heating and hot water available. If it is to continue its vital work supporting young people for another 70+ years, there is a clear need for significant investment.
Anna Smee, CEO of UK Youth said: “Avon Tyrrell is an incredible, historic and vital local asset in the New Forest. We’re very proud of the apprenticeships, bursary schemes, disability and wellbeing weekends, and community mental health projects it offers to provide vital support, training and advice to tens of thousands of young people every year. It’s crucial the work of Avon Tyrrell continues to support many more young people but for that to happen the centre needs significant development. We hope that today’s showcase inspired many local business to join forces and build bright futures for all young people.”
For further information about Avon Tyrrell and opportunities to become a supporter visit www.avontyrrell.org.uk or contact partnerships@ukyouth.org.