The courses running this summer include Outdoor Skills, Orchard Management, Playing Creatively and Woodwork. As well as teaching participants new skills, the courses aim to build their confidence in working with others and by attending regular sessions. Each participant has a dedicated mentor who will assess and support their progress through the course and support them with their next steps. The courses offered by the Trust also all have their roots in spending time outdoors and engaging with nature and are taught in a relaxed, natural environment.

The Building Better Opportunities scheme is managed by Landau and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund. Herefordshire Wildlife Trust has offered courses as part of this scheme for four years with many success stories.

Julia Morton, Engagement Manager, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust says:

"Since the start of the Building Better Opportunities programme we have supported participants to develop their confidence and skills in a variety of ways. Working in small groups has been invaluable, enabling people to overcome anxiety and engage in meaningful activities. A number of our current volunteers have come through the BBO programme as have two of our members of staff which is fantastic.”

One participant who moved into employment this year after participating in a course said:

“Being part of the Building Better Opportunities program has given me the opportunity to get outdoors and to take and make time for myself. It has made me realise that I am capable of doing things and it has given me the boost I needed to get the confidence to apply for training, which has resulted in me gaining a Business Administration apprenticeship. My overall anxiety has reduced, and I never thought I’d be back in an office environment, but I am really enjoying it, and knowing that people believe in me and my skills has improved my outlook on the future.”

Another participant, attending this year’s Outdoor Skills Course, said:

“I really enjoy my time outdoors and I am getting so much out of it. I learn something new every week. It has made me more interested in the natural world and I want to do more, either surveying or more short training courses.”

There are still places available on a number of the courses which are running though the summer and autumn. More details can be found at: https://www.herefordshirewt.org/building-better-opportunities or by contacting Laura Beardsmore at l.beardsmore@herefordshirewt.co.uk.