Somerset youth development charity, the Youth Adventure Trust, has expanded its team to support the recently launched Resilience Programme.
Joining as Resilience Programme Lead, Don Farmer brings a wealth of knowledge from his career in the youth education sector where he has focused on student inclusion, pastoral support and learning coordination, making him well-equipped to understand the lives and challenges of the young people supported by the Trust.
Don will use his previous experience of developing and delivering initiatives and support programmes for vulnerable students to lead the year-long Resilience Programme, which helps young people in Bridgwater, Yeovil, Chard, and Stoke-sub-Hamdon in Somerset.
Tessa Woodrow, Director of Programmes and Development at the Youth Adventure Trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome Don to the team. With his rich background in education and his experience working closely with young people, Don brings a unique perspective that will be invaluable in shaping the future of the programme.
“His proven ability to create meaningful opportunities and support structures for vulnerable young people will play a key role in driving the success of our resilience initiative. We are confident that Don will be an integral part of the programme’s continued growth and success, and we look forward to seeing the lasting impact of his skills on the young people we support.”
The YAT Resilience Programme launched in 2024 thanks to funding from the RWE Foundation. It is a year-long initiative designed to build resilience, confidence, and social skills through monthly activity days, takeaway challenges and an overnight expedition. Young people begin the programme at the start of Year 8 and finish as they enter Year 9. The programme sees them taking part in a variety of challenges such as climbing, canoeing, coasteering, shelter building, fire lighting, outdoor cooking, first aid and animal welfare, along with team challenges, games and plenty of fun, making it the perfect opportunity to help students flourish.
Don adds: “I’m really excited to join the team and get stuck into the Resilience Programme. Supporting young people to build their confidence, develop new skills and ultimately gain greater independence is something I’m truly passionate about. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a young person realise their own potential, and I’m looking forward to being part of a programme that creates real, lasting opportunities for them to grow and thrive.”
The Youth Adventure Trust is a youth development charity working with vulnerable young people aged 11 to 16 years old from Somerset and Wiltshire. It uses outdoor adventure and one-to-one support to empower young people to fulfil their potential, with all programmes provided free of charge to those who are nominated by schools and other youth organisations.
For more information about Youth Adventure Trust, or take part in the latest fundraising challenge visit: http://www.youthadventuretrust.org.uk