SAVE OUTDOOR EDUCATION.

I have just received a request to circulate the message below to all our Members. The sender does not seem to introduce herself precisely, but on their website it is stated that
“UK Outdoors is the industry body for outdoor learning, representing over 5000 individuals and organisations in the outdoor & environmental education and adventure world.” Plus there is a BMC link.

So if you have enjoyed yourself, or learnt anything, at a centre, you might want to help this campaign in the ways requested. There is a petition link below which might be an easy start.

ANDREW

I am contacting you to ask whether your club and its members would be willing to support the #saveoutdoored campaign?

Outdoor education centres around the UK are facing an existential threat due to the pandemic; many are being forced to permanently close, and many more face closure as we head into the winter season. Outdoor centres have been closed since March, with no income or guidance as to when or how they can reopen.

I am sure most climbers and mountaineers would agree that outdoor activity is hugely important for mental and physical wellbeing, and wouldn’t want to imagine a life without it. As things currently stand, millions of young people will miss out on their residentials next year, and if centres close, these opportunities will be lost forever. But, collectively we can do something about this. I would like to ask your members to help support the campaign, please can you share amongst your members?

What are we asking?

We are asking for you to help raise awareness of the crisis that faces the industry. If we don’t fight for this industry, it won’t be there to inspire future generations of climbers and mountaineers.

A few ways to help out;
The most useful thing you can do is write to your local MP. Please use the link; https://campaigns.thebmc.co.uk/save-outdoor-centres

Write a short article on the importance of outdoor education for future generations of climbers/mountaineers and publish on your website, newsletter and/or blog, drawing attention to the current plight of outdoor centres.
Share or direct members to the BMC video and/or article explaining the situation.

https://www.thebmc.co.uk/save-outdoor-centres-write-mp-bmc

Search and follow #saveoutdoored on social media, share and retweet posts relating to the campaign.
Encourage members to sign and share the government petition on social media. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/330559 The more signatures, the better!

I really hope you are able to see the importance of helping to save outdoor education centres, and are able to help in some way.

Thank you for taking the time to read this email. Please get in touch if you have any questions.

Holly Nicholls