Today’s Guardian education section features a profile of the Wilderness Foundation UK’s pioneering intervention project for youth-at-risk – TurnAround.

The article, written by Louise Tickle outlines the genesis of the project and why nature – particularly wild nature – offers a solution for disturbed youth.   Wilderness Foundation UK CEO Jo Roberts says:

“Being in a true wilderness means having to work with things you can’t change.  If someone has anger management issues or a history of violence, it’s often rooted in a deeply felt frustration with the world.  But there’s no point being angry or frustrated with nature.  You just have to get on and solve the problems it throws at you – because if you don’t, you can’t shout, punch or even negotiate away the consequences.”

There is a growing body of evidence that taking young people into the great outdoors can be a catalyst of transformation.  This includes research being conducted by the University of Essex, whose senior researcher Dr. Jo Barton is assessing TurnAround.

You can read the full article by clicking here.  For further information on the TurnAround Project visit our dedicated pages at: http://www.wildernessfoundation.org.uk/social-programmes/the-turnaround-project/

We urgently need funds to run a third year of this successful programme.  If you would like to make a donation in support of TurnAround – however large or small (all funds go directly towards helping young people turn their lives around and each and every penny helps) you can use any major debit or credit card and give online at:

http://www.justgiving.com/turnaround-appeal

Alternatively cheque donation made payable to the Wilderness Foundation UK can be sent to:

The Appeal Coordinator

Wilderness Foundation UK

47-49 Main Road

Broomfield

CHELMSFORD

Essex

CM1 7BU

Thank you for your support.