EQUIP OUTDOOR TECHNOLOGIES LTD, parent company of iconic outdoor brands RAB and LOWE ALPINE, has advised a two-year extension of its partnership with educational charity THE OUTWARD BOUND TRUST.
The partnership is set to build on shared values and recent achievements by introducing even more young to the outdoors, providing them with powerful, lasting experiences in nature, whilst at the same time educating them on how to act responsibly and sustainably in wild spaces.
Building on the relationship, Rab and Lowe Alpine will provide support to The David Nieper Academy in Alfreton, Derbyshire (base for the brands’ headquarters) with a multi-day Outward Bound residential course for 48 pupils in each year of the partnership.
The brands will also provide employees with the opportunity to volunteer to become OUTWARD BOUND EMPLOYEE AMBASSADORS, acting as positive adult role models. Four individuals have been selected to attend residentials to provide mentoring and support the learning being delivered to the participants.
After the disruption and trials of the global pandemic, the benefits of being outdoors for people’s physical and mental health are clearer than ever. Outward Bound was unable to run its residential programmes during this period but, with support from Rab and Lowe Alpine, adapted programmes to help pupils to discover ADVENTURE IN THEIR LOCAL ENVIRONMENT.
Debbie Read, Equip’s Head of Corporate Communications and CSR, said, “We’re incredibly proud to continue supporting The Outward Bound Trust and the work that they do. Feeling confident in the outdoors while maintaining that sense of awe-inspiring adventure is something we as a brand believe to our very core.
“We hope by continuing to support students from David Nieper Academy each year that we will help a new generation of young adults discover their own love and respect for nature, and that they use these courses to develop and grow as individuals.”
Nick Barrett, Chief Executive at The Outward Bound Trust, added, “The pandemic impeded our work but, as restrictions lift, young people are back on Outward Bound residentials. They are once again climbing mountains, sleeping under stars, getting battered by the elements and having wonderful adventures in the wild places of the UK.
“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Equip UK. Our organisations both share a passion and an understanding of the unique opportunity the outdoors offers for young people to connect with each other and with nature, learn to believe in themselves, develop resilience and to have fun. Never has the development of these attributes been more important than now.”
Image: ©The Outward Bound Trust
