TurnAround is a twelve month long intervention programme for vulnerable youth in mid-Essex.    Over four years in development, and having completed a successful pilot programme in 2007 (where we achieved an outstanding 80% success rate in returning participants to full time education and employment - rather than detention in a youth offending facility where many of the kids were headed without help from our programme), we officially launched the programme this year.

Working with the Police, Connexions, YOT, schools and families, and aided by experienced Psychologists, Counsellors, Therapist and Educational Specialists, the Wilderness Foundation's "TurnAround Project" is changing the lives of young people for the better.  Our programme is built around wilderness trails, environmental and community-based workshops, one-to-one sessions with volunteer adult mentors drawn from the local community.   TurnAround helps vulnerable young people to find a new direction, with better prospects away from crime, violence, substance abuse, negativity and low self esteem.

Monitored by the University of Essex at every stage, we have categorically proven the relationship between time spent in nature and improved self esteem - the successes of TurnAround are clear for all to see.   However, we urgently need to raise additional funds to continue the programme.  A twelve month placement for one young person costs £7,500 - all of which we raise ourselves.  We receive no Government funding for this work and are dependant on the support and understanding of people like you to keep changing young lives.   Compare this price to the cost of a young person spending a year in detention - estimated to be £47,500 a year to the tax payer - and you can see that TurnAround is not only creating positive futures, but makes good financial sense too.

Please help us to help more young people, by making a donation to the TurnAround Project today.

Thank you.