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There’s no doubt that connecting with nature improves our mental health. Recent figures suggest that wellbeing, self-confidence and employability improve when young people spend time in green spaces. 95% said it boosted their confidence and 86% said it had a positive effect on their mental health. Being in nature also helps to reduces loneliness in cities, according to a study published in the Scientific Reports journal.

This summer we created a short film that demonstrates just how important it is for children to get out in nature, to be among trees, in green spaces, and with friends. It was created as part of our Holiday Activities and Food Summer Club (commissioned by East Sussex County Council), and in partnership with the South Downs National Park Trust. With young filmmaker Luke Lebihan behind the camera, we explored the Seven Sisters Country Park, had photography and sound recording sessions at Friston Forest, and went river paddleboarding. It was an unforgettable summer.

These trips out really helped everyone to leave their worries behind, and to be in the moment.

“Lockdown was very boring – I didn’t really have anyone to talk to. This is a break from normal life and it’s good fun. You stop worrying about things that you normally worry about and you’re able to just enjoy yourself.”

Young person attending Make (Good) Trouble’s Summer Club at the South Downs National Park

Amanda Elmes, who leads learning and outreach in the South Downs National Park, said:

“It’s been wonderful to work with these teenagers and see them blossom through this experience.

“Unfortunately a significant proportion of young people are disconnected from the natural world around them and the pandemic has only exacerbated this. We’re really passionate at the National Park about giving young people opportunities to get out into the South Downs, learn about nature and have fun – they might even come home with muddy shoes! The testimonials we have had really support all the research that getting out into green, natural spaces is good for children’s mental health and wellbeing. We strongly believe that all children should have access to nature.”

Make (Good) Trouble’s Summer Club attendees looking out over Cuckmere Haven

Read the article on South Downs National Park website

Further resources for making the most of the great outdoors

Educational guide packed with ideas for things to do: 50 ways forest and outdoor learning experiences benefit child development

Forest England resources for teachers (we think young people and parents will find some great info here too like tree identification charts and the teacher’s blog)

Finding balance: 6 ways to help your teen study (and avoid burnout) from My Tutor

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Thank you! Thank you for all your support this year. It’s been a challenge, but we’re motoring on with plans for 2021. This pandemic has brought into sharp focus how much families need support and each other. We hope to build on what we’ve achieved in 2020 with work focused on mental health, excluded pupils and giving young people and families a voice.

We are hugely proud and delighted to have awarded 54 Cities of Learning Digital Badges to the young people that have been actively involved in our projects in 2020.  Well done team!

We Are Poppy, our First World War project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, was co-produced by young people across Brighton and East Sussex. It was created entirely remotely due to Covid-19 restrictions and is a fascinating look at how women fared during the Great War, as well as its legacy for women today. 

You can listen to WeArePoppy here, as well as the interviews the team did with historian Professor Lucy Noakes about women’s lives, with therapist and historian Denise Poynter about women and shell shock, and with trauma therapist Darren Abrahams about how trauma affects people today.

Our third series of radio show, Raising Teens, was broadcast on BBC Sussex and Surrey in May/June this year. Co-prodcued by young people and again, entirely remotely, all episodes from the three series are available online. It was supported by Public Health, East and West Sussex Local Authorities.

We would like to thank Sussex Police for their unwavering support and we look forward to strengthening our partnership further in 2021.

Our Facebook Group, Raising Teens in Lockdown is going strong and providing much needed support to parents and carers. We’re hugely grateful to the support from the National Lottery Communities Fund. Our Facebook Live Q&As, posted on our Make (Good) Trouble Facebook page, have covered everything from concerns about drugs, going back to school in a pandemic and how to keep your teen safe. Do give us a follow on Facebook to make sure you catch the next Q&As in the new year. 

Quick links to catch up on our Facebook live Q&As:

We collaborated on Extraordinary with Storythings and Brighton Festival. It’s a lovely film featuring teens and Lemn Sissay, celebrating the achievements of Year 11 students of 2020 who had their GCSE’s cancelled and who are extraordinary! 

It’s been a busy year! We wish you all a happy, safe Christmas. See you in 2021,

Tayler, Daisy and Jane