The second course of the Dales Fell-being project will start on 13 April 2024 and is part-funded by Sport England’s small grants programme. It will support a group of 18-30 year olds to join us for six free sessions in the Yorkshire Dales to build the skills and confidence to access the National Park for running, recreation and activity.
Background
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a landscape for everyone and we want everyone to feel able to access it. However, we know that accessing this landscape is an unequal privilege, especially for those living in areas ranked as more deprived. This project allows us to open up the National Park to more young people, providing them with the skills and confidence to come here for the benefit of their physical and mental wellbeing.
‘Dales Fell-being’ is an activity programme for young adults aged 18-30, with priority being given to those living in Inner East Leeds, to support them in finding ‘wellness in the fells’. Evidence shows this group find it particularly hard to get out into the hills, aggravated by Covid and the cost of living crisis, with a new report finding 46% of young people have fears about not having enough money to buy essentials.
Young adults living in the area have also expressed an interest in visiting the Yorkshire Dales National Park but aren’t always clear exactly how to do that, an ambition further complicated by a lack of running clubs within the Inner East Leeds area, compared with the rest of the City.
We want to give confidence to those young people who want to come here for running, recreation and activity.
The course
Running outside is not only free, but an exhilarating mood enhancer too that requires little equipment. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority can provide an alternative to urban running and a chance to experience the wellbeing benefits that come with spending time in open spaces.
Course participants will have the chance to set goals with a qualified life coach; measure progress with a run coach throughout; learn how to build and maintain strength; connect with nature; and recover and unwind with outdoor mindfulness and yoga specialists. And to support them in coming back into the National Park for more, participants will also be introduced to:
- An annual calendar of nearly 50 fell running events taking place throughout the year which participants could continue to take part in following the project.
- The gift of an OS map of the area and a compass so they feel equipped to return.
- The public transport options, routes and amenities available in the Yorkshire Dales
- Training through the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority such as ‘Navigation’ and ‘National Park Awareness’ which will build confidence to visit again.
The course is being delivered over 6 Saturday’s, starting on 13th April and running on 27th April, 11th May, 25th May, 8th June and 22nd June. Return transport from Leeds is included.
Please contact kiri.wood@yorkshiredales.org.uk if you want to get involved, know someone who might be interested or have any questions at all. Download our flyer, here.
