YHA (England & Wales)

The 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act this week is a moment to reflect on the importance of the #NationalParks and the role organisations like YHA have played in their protection.   YHA was proud to be a founding member of the campaign that led to the creation of National Parks. Our commitment to connecting people with the natural world remains as strong today as it was 75 years ago.   On Monday, our Chief Executive James Blake had the privilege of attending the The Ramblers Parliamentary reception celebrating this anniversary. It was inspiring to hear Baroness Hayman, the Minister for Access to Nature, speak passionately about the value of National Parks.   Baroness Hayman highlighted the impact of #GenerationGreen, a programme funded by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs that YHA is proud to lead. She shared her pride in supporting this initiative, which gives young people from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to connect with nature and build a lifelong respect for our National Parks.   When she visited a #GenerationGreen group in the Yorkshire Dales recently, she saw firsthand the transformative impact of this programme, and said:   "Increasing access to the outdoors for children from deprived communities is incredibly important. Getting into nature when you’re young means it becomes part of you. If you don’t ever get to experience the outdoors, then you don’t know what you are missing. The work YHA are doing, and projects like Generation Green are great initiatives to help enable access to National Parks and protected spaces for young people.”   As we celebrate the legacy of the National Parks, it’s clear that programmes like Generation Green are essential to their future. By fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of these spaces, we can inspire the next generation to protect and preserve them for years to come. https://lnkd.in/ek9QTffU #LiveMoreYHA

Here are some of the amazing things you've helped us achieve in 2024... #Charity #YHA #LiveMoreYHA

This Christmas, you can give a child experiencing disadvantage the chance to enjoy the magic of nature for the very first time. ✨ School residentials are at risk of being cancelled due to tighter budgets but YHA wants to make sure kids don't miss out on this adventure. Donate £25 today so that no child is left behind. 💚 https://bit.ly/4cOMQPN #YHANCLB #LiveMoreYHA

As part of Generation Green 2, YHA has delivered residentials to nearly 3,000 young people since the beginning of September. Thanks to funding from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, schools like Park Primary School from Colne, Lancashire have been able to visit a protected landscape, learn about life in the countryside, and connect with nature like never before. Deputy Head Teacher Jack Thompson said “Our students absolutely loved this trip and have all been asking if I can book another one like this. I think the benefits of learning outside the classroom for our children are amazing.” Have a listen to their story here. 👇 https://bit.ly/3D3vIsg #GenerationGreen #LiveMoreYHA

This Christmas, give a gift that goes beyond the usual – the smell of salty air and the sight of rolling hills. For many children, a school residential will be their first trip to the countryside or seaside, and a rare chance to escape city life. But with school budgets tighter than ever, the children who would benefit the most are missing out. You can change that. Donate now so no child is left behind. 💚🌳 https://bit.ly/4cOMQPN #YHANCLB #LiveMoreYHA

On Friday 29th November, we had the honour of joining outstanding school travel providers at the School Travel Awards 2024 hosted by School Travel Organiser. YHA was nominated for 'Best Residential Experience', and while we didn’t take home the award this time, we couldn’t be prouder of what our team has accomplished across our network this year. 💚 A huge congratulations to PGL on their well-deserved win! 🏆 Here's to continuing to inspire young minds and create unforgettable experiences in 2025. Thank you to all our team, partners, and schools for your incredible support — together, we’re making a difference! 🎉 #SchoolTravelAwards #YHA #BestResidentialExperience #SchoolTrips #LiveMoreYHA

The YHA Breaks Programme application is open until the 10th December 2024. 💚 Designed for groups of young people and groups of families who need additional support, we provide fully and part-funded trips for those facing challenges that make travel and adventure difficult to access. We bring the adventure, for the first time, for a lifetime. 🤝 Submit your interest today. 👇 https://bit.ly/4gBjBlK #YHABreaks #LiveMoreYHA

We are really excited to be hosting The Outdoor Connection 2025 at YHA Castleton Losehill Hall. Designed and delivered in partnership with All the Elements, this is the third event of its kind and part of YHA’s commitment to opening up access to the outdoors for all. 💚 https://bit.ly/3OAMJN9 #OutdoorConnection #LiveMoreYHA Pilgrim Trust Sport England All The Elements CIC

For many children a YHA Residential will be their first experience of the countryside. 🌳 Budget restraints mean school residentials are being cancelled. 💚 This #GivingTuesday, please give a life-changing gift and donate £25. 🎁 https://bit.ly/4cOMQPN #YHANCLB #LiveMoreYHA

"The pupils have developed confidence, independence and they are working as a team." Have a listen to what teachers and children thought about their recent Connecting to Nature residential with YHA as part of Generation Green 2. 🌳💚 https://bit.ly/3D3vIsg #GenerationGreen #LiveMoreYHA