I applied to be a mentor for TurnAround after studying environmental education as part of my MSc.  During my studies I became aware of the enormous role the natural environment plays in our health and well-being on both an individual level and as a community.  I also learnt from my studies that experiencing nature is associated with many healing benefits such as increased self-esteem, emotional stability and confidence. In volunteering as a TurnAround mentor I felt I could help deliver some of these benefits to young people, improving their lives and the lives of others.  I also hoped that the improvements would go on to benefit the whole of society.

The recently published National Ecosystem Assessment (2011) revealed that we have a frightening dependence on the health of the nation’s natural environment.  Without properly functioning ecosystems, many of our industries would suffer along with our quality of life.  Ironically, it is becoming increasingly obvious that this vital relationship with nature has broken down in recent times resulting in damage to both our well-being and the environment.  I believe that the TurnAround programme re-establishes the relationship between young people and nature, tapping into some of the health and well-being opportunities that it gifts us.  By re-making this link, I hope that young people grow to have a greater sense of what nature can offer us and its value.  In particular the healing properties of tranquillity and wonder you can only get in a beautiful natural environment.

So far my time on the programme has seen me digging a toilet, running through the woods like a madman, making shelters and riding on death-defying home made go-karts! I think that both the young peoples’ and my own self-esteem and confidence have grown thanks to the group activities.  It has also been fantastic seeing young people proving all the negative stereotypes wrong.

I grew up on a National Trust estate deep in the countryside and it has been a revelation finding people who have never really experienced the outdoors – something I had taken for granted.  It has been a privilege to then help them use a compass for the first time or gather kindling to start their own camp fire.  Although these are tiny steps, the saying goes “from tiny acorns, mighty oaks grow” and being part of that journey towards a greater goal will hopefully establish a stronger, more-cohesive society.