Draper Tools supports Youth Options
16th Sep 2021
The local community surrounding our Hampshire head office is so important to the Draper team and family. We think global and act locally, supporting many community initiatives and local causes.
Recently, we have been so proud to be involved with Youth Options, very special charity, just minutes down the road from our head office. Youth Options is committed to developing young people’s social and emotional skills to improve their chances in life. The charity's services are individually tailored to deliver vibrant, dynamic and ever-evolving opportunities that connect with and inspire young people.
Bringing outdoor learning to life
Since October 2020, the charity has been working to turn a disused garden centre into an Outdoor Learning site with a forest school, wild spaces, and two polytunnels to deliver horticulture programmes. The aim is to offer young people from urban backgrounds the opportunity to connect with nature locally.
The huge impact the outdoors can have on mental and physical wellbeing has been well-documented – and it’s something we’re incredibly passionate about here at Draper Tools. That’s why we felt it was important to support the vital work Youth Options do with a donation of tools and equipment. Draper Tools donated several hand and power tools help maintain the site, as well as a number of gardening essentials including forks, spades, shears, gloves and tools from the Young Gardener range for students on horticultural learning programmes. Carly Redwood, fundraising & community manager at Youth Options commented:
“The equipment Draper Tools so generously donated will enable us to provide so many activities to those who need our support now more than ever. We are really excited to work together more in the future”
Outdoor Learning Centre officially open
The great news is that on 9th September Youth Options was able to officially open its brand new Outdoor Learning Centre, located on Bishopstoke Road in Eastleigh. The site was declared open by the charity’s president, Lord Lieutenant Nigel Atkinson. Guests were then taken on guided tours around the site to learn more about the work carried out and even have a go at whittling or toasting marshmallows on the campfire.
And, it’s fantastic to hear that local children and young people have already been using the site. Youth Options has been busy running programmes to support young carers, young people with long term health conditions, and children in care.
To find out more about Youth Options and the work they do visit https://youthoptions.org.uk/
