Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council has launched a new programme designed to equip local people with the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience to support development of independent and sustainable lifestyles.
Funded by ABC Council’s PEACE IV initiative, the Life Camp Trainee Programme commences on Thursday 10 June 2021 and is open to local residents aged 18 and over living in areas of social deprivation in the ABC Council area.
Based at the Bushcraft Centre at Oxford Island and delivered by their trained instructors and external professionals, the free 16-week training programme includes outdoor and water-based activities such as cycling, hill walking, adventure climbing as well as canoeing, paddle boarding and water safety training.
Covering sustainable living principles, the programme also guides participants on the importance of protecting and preserving the natural world; plus includes practical sessions on how to build survival shelters, forage for food and light fires to name a few.
Truly immersed in nature, programme trainees also get the opportunity to benefit from a range of mental health and wellbeing workshops as well as gain qualifications in health and safety, food hygiene and first aid.
With a focus on personal growth, the programme aims to positively impact the lives of participants by helping them enhance their physical and mental wellbeing, acquire new and essential life skills as well as increase awareness of environmental and conservation issues – ultimately supporting the most hard to reach people in our community achieve their full potential.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Kevin Savage comments:
“Through council’s PEACE IV Programme, we are committed to making a difference in our local communities and building positive relationships to help improve the quality of life for all the borough’s residents.
“This latest PEACE initiative is a fantastic opportunity for local people to enjoy a range of outdoor and vocational activities while getting to experience the beautiful natural surroundings of Oxford Island. Promising not only to be great fun, the programme also promotes participants’ ability to learn, builds confidence and develops key personal and social skills – helping support them on their journey to lead productive, independent and sustainable lives.”
To be eligible to apply to the Life Camp Trainee Programme you must live in an area of social deprivation in the ABC Council area, be aged 18 years or over, have not previously engaged in a PEACE IV programme and be able to commit to the full programme. ABC Council welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
The project is funded by the PEACE IV programme, a cross-border initiative, financed through the European Union and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). This programme has been designed to support peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland.
Further information
Closing date for expression of interest is Monday 31 May 2021. With limited places available, please note an expression of interest does not guarantee a place.
For more information contact , or complete your expression of interest here.
