Unity Works Hike for Health

Unity Works transforms lives through training, helping those with learning disabilities gain confidence and new skills for employment in their local community.

Getting involved in our residential break always has a profound impact on their confidence, motivation and health. However, unable to go ahead with the Great Escape this year, our Adventurers' Club took on a new level of importance. With the challenge hikes it will be the first time they have ventured out of London since lockdown began

Unity Works is a London-based charity that supports people with a learning disability to find work and is part of the Thera Trust. They have found that using experiences and time outdoors is a hugely important part in supporting the work they do. Trusts and Grants manager Laura explained a bit more.

"We know from experience that people must have strong mental and physical wellbeing in order to move into and sustain employment. One way we achieve this is through spending time outdoors, such as through our project The Great Escape.

This project in particular involves taking 50 adults with mild to profound learning disabilities on a week-long, residential multi-activity break in the great outdoors where they can challenge themselves to try things beyond their comfort zone and develop lasting friendships."

So despite not being able to run the residential this year, The Alpkit Foundation was delighted to back the shift in focus to support one of the Adventurers' Club bigger 'challenge hikes' and along with it their determination to continue getting people outdoors.

We were incredibly touched to receive a thank you that really highlights how even small amounts can help have an incredible impact on peoples lives.

Unity Works Walking Group - An Update For Alpkit from Thera Trust on Vimeo.

The group of between 10-12 ‘regulars’ at any given time, aims to get people outdoors and getting some exercise. With ambition as big as their Adventurers name, in addition to local walks in London, over the summer they ventured further afield to take part in challenge hikes, which are longer walks in new locations.

"This year, we have run 66 walks for our 23 members. We kept going throughout lockdown - when for many people the group was their only means of social contact. Making it an important social event in terms of making friends and sharing new experiences."