Pressure building on Government to step in and save outdoor education centres - MP

Local MP and vice chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Outdoor Learning Tim Farron says pressure is building on the Government to save outdoor education centres after the government in Northern Ireland announced a £1m package of support for the sector.

Northern Ireland are the latest devolved administration to introduce specific funding for outdoor education centres, after Scotland announced £2m worth of support back in October.

Tim has been lobbying ministers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to provide financial support for the outdoor education sector, citing the benefits to Cumbria's economy and to young people's physical and mental health.

A recent survey from Tim found that more than half of young people in the South Lakes have described their own mental health as 'poor'.

Tim said: "The announcement of a financial support package for the outdoor education sector from the devolved government in Northern Ireland is very welcome news and really ramps up the pressure for the UK Government to follow suit.

"Young people, not only here in Cumbria but across the country, have become disengaged with learning and are struggling with their mental health.

"We know that outdoor education centres can be massively beneficial in improving children's health, wellbeing and education.

"For the sake of our young people, the Government must immediately help outdoor education centres not only to survive but to thrive."