Adapting to Uncertainty: Outward Bound Trust's Innovative Response to Covid-19

Strategic Insights -

As Covid-19 swept across the globe, traditional charity offerings were severely disrupted. The Outward Bound Trust, a charity organization focused on inspiring young people to defy their limitations, was forced to reimagine its approach. Director Martin Davidson explains how the organization adapted to the pandemic, innovating new programs to support young people in Scotland. With the help of generous donors, Outward Bound Trust introduced two new propositions: In School Adventures and activity days in the holidays. These initiatives aim to help young people readjust, reconnect, and thrive post-lockdown.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Outward Bound Trust had to innovate to deliver its mission due to lockdowns and travel restrictions, resulting in a disruption to traditional charity offerings.
  • The organization introduced two new propositions: In School Adventures and activity days in the holidays, to support young people in Scotland.
  • Donors such as Rathbones, Swagelok Scotland, Mowi Scotland, and Northwood Charitable Trust provided essential funding for these initiatives, recognizing the mental health impact of the pandemic on young people.
  • The charity's innovative response aimed to help young people recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the pandemic.
  • Outward Bound Trust aims to remain relevant for another 80 years, adapting to the needs of young people and its donors.
  • The charity's donors trust the organization, understanding that young people are at the centre of its mission, and view them as partners who care about their wellbeing.

Statistics:

  • Donations for young people dropped by 9% during the height of the pandemic, according to the Charities Aid Foundation. (Source: Charities Aid Foundation)
  • Outward Bound Trust has secured funding from generous donors, including Rathbones, Swagelok Scotland, Mowi Scotland, and Northwood Charitable Trust.
  • The charity's innovative response features two new propositions: In School Adventures and activity days in the holidays. (Source: The Outward Bound Trust)
  • Outward Bound Trust aims to remain relevant for another 80 years, adapting to the needs of young people and its donors.

Sources:

  • Rathbones, as cited in the article: Rathbones is proud to continue our support of the fantastic work carried out by The Outward Bound Trust.
  • Charities Aid Foundation, as cited in the article: The Charities Aid Foundation reported that at the height of the pandemic donations for young people dropped by nine per cent.
  • The Outward Bound Trust, as cited in the article: outwardbound.org.uk/evaluation-covid
  • The Outward Bound Trust, as cited in the article: outwardbound.org.uk/scotland