Outfit Moray – Action in the Outdoors
Outfit Moray is a charity based in Lossiemouth, whose aim is to make a positive difference to the lives of young people, families and communities in Moray through the provision of a wide range of outdoor learning programmes, a bike recycling project and residential respite breaks.
They work with local schools, charities, youth organisations, community groups and families, and use outdoor activities as a tool to build confidence, improve wellbeing, and increase independence and resilience. They have a focus on supporting young people in Moray aged 8-18 who are vulnerable or disadvantaged in some way. They also run a bike recycling project and offer a range of work placements and volunteering opportunities.
Outfit Moray was awarded £17,130 in 2022 to deliver a one-year programme of cycling activity. This project demonstrated a range of positive impacts for children and adults alike and is estimated to have benefitted 281 people in the fund area. Through this work, Outfit Moray staff realised that there was a higher-than-average proportion of children, particularly those who lived rurally, who could not cycle at all. Rural residents are not necessarily "outdoorsy" and the lack of quiet tarmac areas to practice cycling can be a barrier to learning to ride a bike at all.
One of the findings during this year was that it takes time to build relationships with local groups and that schools in particular need a long lead in time to plan activity and a reassurance that groups can provide long term support rather than one off events.
Having developed relationships with the schools, Outfit Moray was keen to build on that trust and continue to support them.
In 2023, the group was awarded funding of £48,780 over two years to build on the success of the initial project, to deliver more cycle training and activity sessions for children and adults, to increase skills and confidence, encourage people to make the most of their local outdoor area and develop a culture of cycling and active travel in the area.
The project is at the halfway stage, so Outift Moray recently reported on activity to date, working with local partners such as primary schools, youth groups, rangers and community organisations.
Feedback from teaching staff highlights the added benefits of outdoor activities, as well as the basic skill of learning to ride a bike.
The children developed their social skills, developed teamwork and worked with new people.
During the off-road cycling sessions, the children were able to think more for themselves and solve problems.
Working outside and moving is very helpful for their mental health. One child noted that it helped with their anxiety.
From my point of view, I think the sessions planned for 2024/25 will build on the skills they have already developed and I like that Outfit Moray are using the facilities in the local area. From the children's comments, it is clear that they really value the input and it is good to see them link the activities to other aspects of their learning and lives.
The class were delighted with themselves to be able to see their skills and experience grow with cycling over a week and see it consolidated with the challenge of cycling around the local area.
The young people themselves reported that the sessions were fun, educational and gave them fresh perspectives on thinking through risk and coping with challenge in a resilient way.
An additional element of project delivery which had not been planned for originally, was to work with the local on-site nurseries – the Cabin and Mortlach. This was a great opportunity to start introducing skills to younger children, with the added benefit of providing the staff with training too.
The biking sessions had a significant impact on both the ability and confidence of our 18 young bikers. With input from Outfit Moray, the Cabin staff were able to experience first-hand how to progress each stage of our bikers onto the next level. All the helpful and insightful tips and tricks of the trade really made a difference and we were amazed at how quickly the bikers took them on and progressed. It gave staff the confidence to know what to do next and we felt empowered and excited to put the skills and knowledge into practice. Big thanks to Outfit Moray for the input and for showing us how to progress onto the next stage.
Some of the community activity for adults did not go ahead as anticipated due to some planned partnership working falling through. Instead, there are plans to deliver activity days in Glenlivet and Dufftown over the summer with other community partners.
Tony Brown, CEO of Outfit Moray sums up the first year of activity below:
The programme that has been generously supported by EDF Dorenell Windfarm, has created fantastic opportunities for young people in the catchment area to learn new skills, deepen their understanding of the amazing natural environment surrounding them, enhance resilience and actively develop their potential through outdoor learning and adventure. The programme built on the foundations laid in the previous year, that focussed on cycle training and expanded horizons to enable an appreciation of the full range of outdoor opportunities in the area, whilst positively impacting mental health and wellbeing. We look forward to continuing this development into a second year, with a full and exciting programme.