Creating opportunities for all, building hopeful tomorrows for everyone

We chat to Yolandi Taylor-Banks, Director of Develop Outdoors CIC.

Can you tell us what Develop Outdoors is all about and the core mission behind the charity?

Develop Outdoors is a Community Interest Company dedicated to supporting the wellbeing, confidence, and life skills of children and young people through both outdoor learning and vocational based experiences. At our core, we believe that the outdoors and outside the classroom are not just a place for physical activity, but a powerful setting for growth, healing, and empowerment. Our mission is to make these opportunities accessible to every young person, especially those who are disadvantaged, marginalised, or struggling in mainstream settings.

What inspired you personally to start Develop Outdoors, and how did the charity come into being?

The idea for Develop Outdoors was born out of a deep belief in the work I did delivering across the county for the YMCA Downslink group, but sadly, the Youth Sports Education team was all made redundant in 2019

I know the transformative power of alternative education outside the traditional classroom has on young people.  I have seen how time spent outside mainstream education building resilience, learning practical skills, and connecting with others can shift a young person’s trajectory. After years of working in youth sports development and seeing the barriers that many face, I wanted to create something hands-on, inclusive, and grounded in real experiences. Develop Outdoors came into being as a response to the growing need for alternative, positive environments where young people can thrive.

What kinds of programmes or activities does Develop Outdoors offer, and who benefits from them?

We offer a range of outdoor based programmes including forest school, conservation projects, Life skills, and environmental education. In addition to this we run vocational programmes where once students are trained can gather real work experience which can lead to part time work from our small training salon in Newhaven (once they turn 16 on our Hair & Beauty programme) or our Sports Coaching & Leadership course which supports female coaches progressing into the Lioness Coaching Academy or young people moving into employment at our youth and after schools programs. Vocational learning and employability skills are very popular for the young people we work with.

For young people facing exclusion, mental health difficulties, or low confidence, we run tailored 1:1 sessions to support individuals with their goals and to re-engage back into the school community or small group work.

Our beneficiaries are primarily young people aged 5 to 18, from a wide variety of backgrounds, but with a focus on those who are most in need of positive intervention. We work with schools, youth groups, local authorities, and families to create meaningful, supportive experiences that last beyond a single session.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced since founding the organisation and how have you overcome them?

Like many community led organisations, securing consistent funding has been a challenge. There’s a constant balancing act between delivering impactful work and ensuring sustainability. Another challenge has been changing perception, helping stakeholders and institutions see alternative education and outdoor learning not as a luxury, but as a vital tool for engagement and development. We’ve overcome these challenges by building strong partnerships, demonstrating our impact through real stories and outcomes, and staying adaptable in our approach.

How can our readers get involved or help?

There are lots of ways to support what we do.

If you’re an individual, you can volunteer your time, donate equipment, or contribute financially to help us expand our reach.

If you’re part of a school or organisation, you can collaborate with us to run sessions or refer young people who would benefit.

Even just spreading the word about our work helps raise awareness and opens doors. We’re always looking for partners who share our values and want to be part of something bigger. Our website section: https://developoutdoors.com/behind-the-leaves/ outlines our vision for the future including an Expression of Interest for those who are interested.

Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of Develop Outdoors and the young people you support?

We aim to grow sustainably while maintaining a personal and impact-driven approach to our work. In the future, we hope to establish a permanent base where we can offer year-round programming and training all under one roof, expanding to reach more people and supporting those who really need it within our communities.

For the children young people we support, our hope is simple but powerful: that they leave our courses with more confidence, a stronger sense of self, and a belief in what they’re capable of. We want them to leave with qualifications and experiences that help them continue on their journey, be it Further Education or employment, or volunteering.  Ultimately, we want to help them feel connected to others, to maximise their potential and have aspirational futures.

Our vision for the future is to grow in a way that stays true to our roots – keeping our work personal, meaningful, and driven by real impact. We hope to one day have a permanent base, a vibrant space where year-round programmes and training can flourish under one roof, and where more children, young people, and community members can find the support they need.

For the young people we work with, our hope is simple but powerful: that they leave us not only with recognised qualifications, but also with the confidence, employability skills, and innovative learning experiences that will stay with them for life. We want them to walk away believing in their own abilities, ready to take their next steps into further education, employment, or volunteering. Above all, we want them to feel connected, inspired, and empowered to shape a future full of possibility.

www.developoutdoors.com