“From ‘I can’t’ to ‘I did”. Help us build the place where that happens.

Every year, thousands of young people arrive at Avon Tyrrell nervous, doubtful, unsure of what they’re capable of. They leave having discovered confidence, resilience and belief in themselves.

For 80 years, Avon Tyrrell has given young people the chance to discover strengths they never knew they had. Every year, thousands arrive feeling anxious, lacking confidence and uncertain about what they can achieve. Through new experiences, challenges and adventures, they begin to see themselves differently. They leave with greater confidence, stronger life skills and the belief that they can overcome obstacles, embrace opportunities and shape a brighter future for themselves.

Now we’re building a new indoor adventure, learning and sports centre so that 5,000 more young people every year can experience the power of outdoor learning whatever the weather. 

“The weather should never decide who gets the chance to grow. When activities are cancelled because conditions are unsafe, young people miss out on more than an adventure – they miss out on the confidence, skills and resilience that come with it. This new building will ensure learning never stops, helping every young person leave Avon Tyrrell with a lasting sense of achievement and belief in themselves.”

– David Watts, Director of Outdoor Learning

Matthew is 12 years old and lives in the London Borough of Lambeth with his younger sister and his mum. He is a young carer. His mum has a disability and struggles to work, which means Matthew takes on responsibilities at home that most children his age do not. He rarely has the freedom to join after-school clubs, spend time with friends at the park, or play for the local football team he dreams of joining.

Every year, Matthew’s school takes its Year 8 pupils to Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Learning Centre in the New Forest.

It is the kind of trip that students look forward to from the moment they start secondary school. For Matthew’s family, however, the cost would have made it impossible. Thanks to support from his school and UK Youth, he was able to attend.

During his week at Avon Tyrrell, Matthew was able to do what every child deserves the chance to do: explore, learn and simply be himself. Away from the pressures he carried at home, he embraced new challenges, conquered his fear of heights, learned bushcraft skills, developed confidence in his leadership abilities and discovered a love of the outdoors.

The journey itself was a revelation. It was Matthew’s first time leaving London. His teachers told us how captivated he was by the changing landscape and the wild horses roaming freely through the New Forest. For a young person whose world had often been shaped by responsibility and routine, it was an opportunity to experience something entirely new.

The impact of that week will stay with him long after the memories of individual activities fade. Matthew returned home with greater confidence, resilience and belief in his own potential. He learned that stepping into unfamiliar situations can be daunting, but that courage and determination can open the door to experiences and opportunities he never imagined possible.

Thousands of young people have a story like Matthew’s. At Avon Tyrrell, they discover not only new skills and experiences, but a renewed belief in what they can achieve.

*Name changed to protect privacy

Every young person attending Avon Tyrrell will have access to the new facility at no additional cost. Beyond residential visits, the centre will be available to local schools, youth groups and community organisations throughout the year, creating a vibrant community hub that benefits thousands more young people and families across the region.

Discover the story behind the Appeal by watching our video, featuring UK Youth President Nigel Mansell.

Help build our transformational indoor adventure centre so that no matter the weather, every young person’s journey continues.