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Our CEO is famous!

Tim Wills stars in a recent Stuff.co.nz article titled ‘How outdoor adventure is a key tool for tackling our mental health crisis’.

Read the article on the Stuff.co.nz website, or keep reading for the copy-and-paste version below:

How outdoor adventure is a key tool for tackling our mental health crisis

Tim Wills is the chief executive of Adventure Specialties Trust a charity using guided, outdoor adventure for community growth and development. Adventurespecialties.co.nz

If you’re like me, your social media feed will be full of gloomy stories about the cost-of-living crisis, crime, and the occasional surfing fail.

We could do with some good news.

I lead Adventure Specialties, the trust that has for the last 40 years helped Kiwis of all ages escape their day-to-day tribulations by connecting to nature.

It truly is the best job. We have the thrill of taking people kayaking, cycling and hiking in Aotearoa’s most beautiful places. And we see moments of transformation as people overcome fear and anxiety.

The trust is founded on the idea that the combination of outdoor adventure and working closely with other people offers a unique context for personal growth and development.

The feedback from clients is incredible.

Here’s what a recent graduate, Jack (not his real name), told us:

“I came home more open to talking with my mum and my nan. I was more open to telling them how I felt about things that were going on with me. I have never been able to do that before … I haven’t been in a physical altercation since camp.

“I am able to turn down cannabis especially at school because I want to stay at school, work on my future and not be a bum. I have more self-control, I have dreams now.

“Because of camp, I have rethought what I want to be. I did think before camp that I wanted to be in a gang but realise now that, in the long term, it’s not going to be good for my life. I would like to work towards opportunities to become a builder. I never thought I would have any other dreams.”

The good news is that Jack’s story is not a one-off.

In recent years, Adventure Specialties Trust has become a leader in an emerging field called Adventure Therapy – an approach to mental health services that combines clinical therapeutic approaches with outdoor activities. Research is showing that Adventure Therapy is as effective as talk-based therapy.

It’s particularly suited to people who prefer not to sit in an office and talk.

A good example is Restore, a partnership with Ministry of Social Development (MSD). Each group has ten adult participants for whom anxiety, depression, stress/burnout or other mental health challenges are preventing them from working.

The programme aims to restore energy, self-worth and hope on their journey towards wellbeing and an eventual return to work, study, or other community involvement.

The group meets with an outdoor instructor and a mental health professional once a week for eight weeks, and each day involves an outdoor activity (like kayaking, mountain biking, coasteering, tree planting) combined with facilitated discussions.

According to our evaluation, the results show a 25% increase in confidence going into new groups of people and a 23% increase in feeling like they have a sense of purpose.

We apply a similar approach to working with youth and adult mental health clients, ACC sensitive claims clients, Māori mental health, Youth Justice, Care and Protection and other community agencies.

And we offer open programmes to anyone wanting to improve their mood with a great day out!

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by bad news. But, as you head into Easter, where themes of suffering and death are followed by hope and recovery, perhaps you can take encouragement that every day, out there, someone is taking a therapeutic step to recovery through outdoor adventure.

And you can too.

Tim Wills

CEO of Adventure Specialties Trust

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Boost your mental health!

Win a spot on our ‘Inspire’ Adventure Therapy wellbeing programme in Auckland (valued at $1975).*

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Comment on this post or tag a friend
2. Like/follow Adventure Specialties Trust (@adventurespecialtiestrust) on Facebook or Insta
3. Like/follow Julia Grace (@juliagracenz ) on Facebook or Instagram
By 1st May and go in the draw to win!

WHAT IS ADVENTURE THERAPY?

Adventure Therapy combines easy and fun outdoor adventure activities (like kayaking, rock climbing, biking and coasteering) with group therapy tools like facilitated group discussions, space for personal reflection, and simply spending time in nature with its proven therapeutic benefits.

‘INSPIRE’ ADVENTURE THERAPY PROGRAMME

The ‘Inspire’ programme is run by Adventure Specialties Trust for Auckland-based adults who might be struggling with mental health challenges, like anxiety, stress, depression or burnout. It is facilitated by a qualified mental health professional and an experienced outdoor instructor with the goal of building your health, wellbeing, confidence and connection.

The programme starts on 10th May 2023 and runs every Wednesday (9am – 3:30pm) for 8 weeks. Read more about the programme: www.adventurespecialties.co.nz > Programmes > Inspire

JULIA GRACE

Julia Grace is a New Zealand professional speaker and award-winning singer and songwriter.

In 2022, she won “Breakthrough Speaker of the Year” and “Educator of the Year” at the Professional Speakers Association NZ awards. She shares her journey with depression and anxiety to encourage people to care for their mental health, with the motto “Be Kind to Your Mind”.

Julia Grace says, “I love the incredible work of Adventure Specialties Trust. Getting outdoors + therapy = positive mental health!”

*Terms and Conditions apply. Winner must have an average level of fitness and be physically capable of taking part in the programme. Winner must be able to attend the programme in Auckland on the dates specified (see above). Winner must also meet with our mental health professional (can be online) to make sure the programme is suitable for them. Prize can only be redeemed if programme goes ahead (i.e. sufficient numbers). Prize cannot be exchanged for cash. Please contact Adventure Specialties Trust for more information (office@adventurespecialties.co.nz).

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We are super stoked to share that Adventure Specialties Trust has been awarded the Te Tohu Whakaaweawe Kaupapa (Outstanding Event or Programme Award), presented by Recreation Aotearoa.

The Recreation Aotearoa Outdoor Awards celebrate individuals and organisations that have been successful in significantly improving outdoor recreation outcomes for participants and clients.

We received this award for our “Inspire” programme, which is an adventure therapy programme open to adults in the Canterbury region. The programme uses outdoor adventure to help adults deal with some of the harder parts of life, make new connections and move towards improved wellbeing.

A huge amount of credit goes to the talented duo that run the Inspire programme: Anneke and April!

Anneke is our highly experienced Adventure Therapy clinician, with a Masters in Social Work and over 15 years working as a therapist with different groups of families, teens and individuals. April is our talented Adventure Therapy facilitator with a passion for te ao Māori and a desire to share her love and knowledge of the outdoors.

Congrats to the other award winners as well! Mike Elkington from Whenua Iti Outdoors (Mana Kura – Supreme Winner), Hawaiki Kura in Marlborough (Whaiao Māori – Māori Outcomes Award), and Discover Waitomo (Taikina Taiao – Environmental Leadership Award).

Read more on the Recreation Aotearoa website:
https://www.nzrecreation.org.nz/Site/news/outdoors/2022-outdoor-awards-winners.aspx

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Christmas message from Tim Wills, CEO

“I say this every year and this is no exception … Wow, this year has gone fast.

“I guess that it is no surprise, with a year full of challenges, that time certainly didn’t stand still! As I look back at the year nearly gone by, I am very proud of our mahi and proud of the staff team that delivered some outstanding programmes. It has been no easy task working in this covid environment and it hasn’t been easy juggling all the intricacies that the disruptions brought, and we now look forward to a well-deserved Christmas break.

“On that note, I was reading a few of Lyndsay’s Essays (Lyndsay was the founder of Adventure Specialties Trust) and came across this writing which is a good reminder in all this busyness:

‘If you ask most people, they will say Christmas is about giving. And it is. But it’s more. The Christmas message is also about reconnecting and restoration. It starts with a baby not a revolution and the gift is offered not imposed. It reminds me that change can start from small beginnings (like getting out of bed and doing some exercise!) and has to be desired.’

“The Christmas story, of course, is just part of a much bigger story. A story which has brought radical change to the lives of many people — a radical reconnection with our potential and a restoration of a relationship with the Creator and our relationships with each other and the environments around us.

“I trust that this can also be a time of restoration and reconnections for you. Thank you for your support over this difficult year and I wish you a very Meri Kirihimete!”

Ngā mihi,
Tim Wills
CEO

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“Get Outdoors Week” kicks off next week, and you can win prizes up to $500 when you take part in the daily photography challenge!!! Check out the list of daily challenges below and find one that inspires you to get outdoors!

Daily photo challenges:
​

>>> Saturday 12th November:
Small Things in Nature – sponsored by Zealandia
Prize: A Zealandia family day tour

>>> Sunday 13th November:
Trail Adventures With Your Dog – sponsored by Further Faster
Prize: Ruffwear trail running lead, Further Faster trucker hat, limited-edition stickers and a $50 vouch

>>> Monday 14th November:
Your All Time Favourite Place to Stay on Public Conservation Land – sponsored by the Department of Conservation
Prize: One six-month Adult Backcountry Hut Pass and one six-month Youth Backcountry Hut Pass

>>> Tuesday 15th November:
Adventures in the Outdoors – sponsored by Recreational Services
Prize: A Sonos Speaker

>>> Wednesday 16th November:
Your New Active Recreation Hobby – sponsored by Recreation Aotearoa
Prize: A $150 Prezzie card

>>> Thursday 17th November:
Overcoming a Challenge in the Outdoors – sponsored by The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award
Prize: A $100 MacPac voucher

>>> Friday 18th November:
Recalibrate in Nature – sponsored by Outdoorsy NZ
Prize: AS Tees Outdoorsy NZ hoodie

>>> Saturday 19th November:
Your Adventure Buddies – sponsored by Back Country Cuisine
Prize: $150 of Back Country Cuisine products of your choosing

>>> Sunday 20th November:
On a Track in the Plan My Walk app – sponsored by Mountain Safety Council
Prize: A $500 voucher from your chosen outdoor adventure retailer

More daily prizes to be confirmed soon!
https://www.getoutdoorsweek.co.nz/dailyprizes

GO Week is about (safe) self-driven outdoor recreation, encouraging physical activity, connection to nature, and celebrating our environment.

Get Outdoors Week
12-20 November 2022
Brought to you by Recreation Aotearoa

The post Get Outdoors Week appeared first on Adventure Specialties Trust.

Darrin Worsfold is a long-term friend and supporter of Adventure Specialties Trust, a guru outdoor instructor, teacher, youth worker and carpenter amongst many other skills. An influencer, life changer and supporter to so many young people (and adults) over many years. Humble and unassuming!

Darrin was recently nominated for the New Zealand Outdoors Instructors Association’s “Tall Totara” award. This is a significant national award, “Awarded to a current instructor or guide who personifies ‘excellence in outdoor leadership’. A highly respected role model, someone who has contributed significantly to outdoor education in New Zealand through both work with clients and with aspirant instructors/guides”

Congrats Darrin, a well-deserved nomination! Thanks for all the input you have given to so many young people over so many years … You’re awesome!

– Tim Wills, CEO

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“Urban green spaces are the major point of contact with nature for many people. Researchers from New Zealand and Germany compared the effects of walking in two different natural settings: an urban forest and a landscape park. They found that both spaces increased people’s wellbeing similarly.

“They also found that when people perceived their surroundings as more wild, their feeling of being connected to nature increased.

“The authors say that individual perceptions of the natural environment can influence the extent to which being in nature increases people’s wellbeing, and this should be taken into account when designing green spaces to benefit both the environment and people.”

ARTICLE: Walk on the wild side: Urban green spaces increase well-being

Journal of Environmental Psychology

https://www.scimex.org/newsfeed/walk-on-the-wild-side-urban-green-spaces-increase-well-being

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And the back page:

And here is the cover. Isn’t the photo stunning?!?

We are proud of our NZOIA qualifications! Check out the NZOIA website to find out more about becoming qualified in different outdoor adventure disciplines.

The post We’re featured in this month’s NZOIA mag! appeared first on Adventure Specialties Trust.

A video from Recreation Aotearoa and Sir Peter Blake Marine Education and Recreation Centre (MERC) featuring footage from Adventure Specialties, shot by our talented instructor, Laura @lauver7.

Love this reminder to get outdoors and enjoy the wild places of #newzealand #aotearoa

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