Beyond Horizons Project Best Practices: 10 individual partner reports

BEST PRACTICES: 13 X INDIVIDUAL PARTNER REPORTS

INTRODUCTION In the following document a compendium of 10 individual reports of good practices, according to the research phase and the exchange programme in different countries carried out during the project, can be found.

Both activities have allowed the project partners to collect and showcase good practices in overcoming barriers for young Europeans. The aim of this activity is to encourage the creation of initiatives and the exchange of good practices in order to favour the inclusion of young people at risk of marginalisation through different projects and approaches, always within the outdoor sector.

In this report, the partners have used information from their own countries or from member countries of their networks in the case of European organisations. In addition, a satisfaction scale has been incorporated based on feedback from professionals and participants of the different initiatives.

These practices are intended to serve as inspiration for creating similar initiatives in the context of organisations working with young people and outdoor sports. The aim is not to present a detailed or uniform working methodology, but rather to present different approaches and activities in order to understand how different cultures and countries address the issue of youth inclusion.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Climbing with Youth (CREPS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) - FRANCE 1. Select the barrier that is most repeated among the young people/network you have worked with: EDUCATION 2. What solutions/tools/methodologies have been used to solve the situation?: 1/ Collaboration with youth institute or agency to select the youth people at risk of marginalisation 2/ During the preparation, create links with students from vocational training in rock climbing (Peer Learning Approach) 3/ Using nature immersion to promote exchange with staff, to feel safer in nature, to understand, protect, discover fauna, flora, human history, and to create a group atmosphere and mutual help perspective 4/ Climbing activity: multipitch climbing routes guided by students and instructors to promote exchange about training, life curriculum, hope... This improve their own soft skills like self confidence, communication, etc.

3. What resources were needed to implement the solution? : 2 CREPS teachers + rock climbing students + instructors chosen in relation to their interest and expertise with this kind of audience + 1 institutional youth expert Accomodation in a small village (local products, gear and equipment for bivouac and climbing) For technical clothes/equipment, the CREPS workers provide their own. Funding by CREPS / IGOT/private brands has allowed to cover the costs for 3 years 4. Could you evaluate the Impact (effectiveness) of the measure carried out?: Highly effective with young people at risk of marginalisation who have no experience in outdoor sports 5. Links, materials, documents on the initiative to be included in the toolkit: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=DIWEyXUQqCk&list=PLlRtQ29TD7A_41g1Y_dMwLfKRC3RBuNiU

MTB with Youth (Cykelframjandet) - SWEDEN 1. Select the barrier that is most repeated among the young people/network you have worked with: ECONOMIC BARRIERS/DISABILITIES 2. What solutions/tools/methodologies have been used to solve the situation?: 1/ For trail bicycle we initially provided free bikes and staff to get started / lowering the threshold 2/ Find leaders and guides that are willing to learn more about adhd and autism and educate them 3/ Our main focus is youth with neurological disorders and to get them on mountain bikes.

We have followed two main paths. In the first one we have been very active by providing bikes and coaching. Pairing already existing programs for the youth with local cycle clubs. Providing summer camps for the target group with bikes over the summer and more.

There were already studies that highlighted the need of education for leaders and coaches about this disorders. This has been the second path, to educate leaders about how to plan activities and how to be inclusive as instructors/trainers. We have used existing material and professional educators while at the same time developing our own education material.

3. What resources were needed to implement the solution?: External funding Time to find and gather people, set the framework and to find the accurate educators.

There are quite a few toolkits on this topic but none specific or targeted towards mtb cycling.

The success factor has been to find the right people. This represents a difficult and time consuming task. Many still have a idea of mountain biking as something dangerous, and mountain bike clubs and similar have in general quite a low interest in developing their way of doing things since this mainly is parents doing this on their free time without pay. Then there are parents to kids with neurological disorders whom usually are keen to be a part.

4. Could you evaluate the Impact (effectiveness) of the measure carried out?: Working with cyclists has proven highly effective, demonstrating openness to issues such as neurological disorders. Adapted bicycles are a useful tool for enjoying the activity while taking an educational approach.

5. Links, materials, documents on the initiative to be included in the toolkit: https://www.bsportplus.eu/

Winter Sports/Skiing with Youth (Protect Our Winters) - AUSTRIA 1. Select the barrier that is most repeated among the young people/network you have worked with: CULTURAL DIFFERENCES 2. What solutions/tools/methodologies have been used to solve the situation?: 1/ Better representation in our social media 2/ VF grant supporting a project called "Mountain sports for everyone" that brought children of a migrant background outdoors in Austria.

3. What resources were needed to implement the solution? : Funding both financially and of gear - loans or financial support: VS Foundation, It's great out there, Scarpa, Hydro Flask, Sport Bründl, Checkpoint Sport Gosau, Blue Tomato, Rent your Ride, Risk'n'fun and the ÖAV sections Vienna and Salzburg Collaboration with other organisations like European Capital of Culture Region Salzkammergut or the Chill Foundation

4. Could you evaluate the Impact (effectiveness) of the measure carried out?: Raising private funds and collaborating with brands in the sector to bring young people's projects to fruition is highly beneficial as it reduces bureaucracy and dependence on public funds.

5. Links, materials, documents on the initiative to be included in the toolkit: https://powderguide.com/en/magazine/schnee-von-morgen/snow-of-tomorrowmountainsports-for-everyone

Gender Inclusion (Sport Ireland) - IRELAND 1. Select the barrier that is most repeated among the young people/network you have worked with: GEOGRAPHICAL BARRIERS 2. What solutions/tools/methodologies have been used to solve the situation?: Women and girls have long been an underrepresented group in sport and teenage girls in particular take part in sport and physical activity far less than the national average in Ireland. Evidence suggests participation plummets during adolescence with just 7% of girls age 14-15 years meeting recommended physical activity levels. Girls who are active in their teenage years and develop a love of sport are much more likely to establish a lifelong relationship with sport and exercise in adulthood. Sport Ireland undertook research to establish how to encourage teenage girls to take part in regular physical activity and focuses particularly on the lived experiences of disengaged and gradually disengaged girls, i.e. inactive. Throughout the work of this project, Sport Ireland iscovered what really matters in girls lives through 5 key anchors. Learning about and understanding these anchors helps us get to know more about our target group. By combining our exploration of girls’ wider lives and what is important to them, with our understanding of their experiences and barriers in sport, we have developed 8 important principles to engage and connect with teenage girls, to support them to embrace sport and physical activity into their lives. These are particularly valuable for girls who are less engaged currently, however can also be relevant for active girls to enhance their experience and prevent them from dropping out. The 8 principles for success are: 1. No judgement, 2. Evoke excitement 3. Clear emotional reward 4. Open eyes to whjats there 5. Build into existing habits 6. Give girls a voice & choice 7. Champion what’s int it for them 8. Expand images of what “sporty” looks like Sports organisations can use these 8 Principles for Success to check and challenge existing programmes to enhance appeal and relevance for the target audience. They can also be used to innovate and develop completely new initiatives through a teenage girl lens.

3. What resources were needed to implement the solution? : We got a consultant to work with us in engaging with the young girls. We worked with 31 teenage girls aged 13-18 years. 14 never active, 15 previously active, 2 very active. Of the 31 teenage girls, we got 15 from rural areas and 16 from urban areas. We then ran several training workshops with National Governing Bodies of Sport on how to implement the 8 principles of success into their programmes. The programmes were then evaluated to measure the success of implementatin the 8 principles.

4. Could you evaluate the Impact (effectiveness) of the measure carried out?: This type of initiative helps to increase knowledge about the target group of young girls and to establish principles on which to base further activities that include this audience.

5. Links, materials, documents on the initiative to be included in the toolkit: https://www.sportireland.ie/GirlsGetActive https://www.sportireland.ie/sites/default/files/media/document/2021-01/sport-irelandresearch-report.pdf https://www.sportireland.ie/sites/default/files/media/document/2021-01/girls-get-activeprinciples.pdf https://www.sportireland.ie/sites/default/files/media/document/2021-01/girls-get-activepersonas.pdf https://www.sportireland.ie/sites/default/files/media/document/2021-01/girls-get-activeanchors.pdf

How 2 the Hills (ISCA) - DENMARK 1. Select the barrier that is most repeated among the young people/network you have worked with: ECONOMIC BARRIERS 2. What solutions/tools/methodologies have been used to solve the situation?: For the project How 2 the Hills, the next tools were created: 1/ Infocards - were created which answer the top questions people from the target groups have when trying hiking for the first time.

2/ Workshops - Were delivered based on the content of the infocards of the target communities.

3/ Route Itineraries - Visual route cards of hikes accessible from the Central Belt by public transport were created. Since cost, time and fitness are major barriers to the outdoors the aim was to create routes which suit varying abilities.

4/ Hikes - During Summer 2023 a series of hikes were delivered with the target communities to test our resources and routes 3. What resources were needed to implement the solution? : The main resources needed funding, graphic resources, workshop leaders, and experts/instructors in trail and mountain activities.

4. Could you evaluate the Impact (effectiveness) of the measure carried out?: The interaction between information, training and activity has proven to be truly effective in raising awareness and motivating participants.

5. Links, materials, documents on the initiative to be included in the toolkit: Webpage and toolkits: https://mhoroutdoor.com/how-2-the-hills/ Video workshop: https://mhoroutdoor.com/projects/how-2-the-hills/how-2-the-hills-videoworkshops/

Working with schools (UTINORD) - NORWAY 1. Select the barrier that is most repeated among the young people/network you have worked with: EDUCATION 2. What solutions/tools/methodologies have been used to solve the situation?: We have established a partnership with schools focusing on outdoor learning across all subjects and grade levels. The goal is to create a more diverse, physical, and hands-on school day for students. Additionally, we aim to ensure that those who prefer indoor activities still have a positive experience. We organize activities for nurseries and schools, along with courses and networking meetings. By collaborating with schools, we reach everyone, regardless of their background.

3. What resources were needed to implement the solution? : The main resources needed were knowledge, information and time.

4. Could you evaluate the Impact (effectiveness) of the measure carried out?:

Working with young people has the advantage of preparing the youth of the future and connecting them with topics such as the outdoors and the need to make it inclusive for everyone. As an inclusive measure, for those who prefer to participate in indoor activities or when weather conditions are not suitable, an e-learning programme with gamification has been proposed, coordinated by experts in the field of technology.

5. Links, materials, documents on the initiative to be included in the toolkit: https://friluftsraad.utinord.no/hva-vi-gj%C3%B8r/skoler https://friluftsraad.utinord.no/hva-vi-gj%C3%B8r/barnehager https://www.facebook.com/groups/901584529862866

Allemed/All In (NDFU) - NORWAY

1. Select the barrier that is most repeated among the young people/network you have worked with: ECONOMIC/SOCIAL/GEOGRAPHICAL BARRIERS 2. What solutions/tools/methodologies have been used to solve the situation?: ALLEMED (ALLIN) is a a tool developed to make it easier to include all children and young people in recreational activities, regardless of the financial situation of their families.

The tool facilitates discussions and ideas on how to include all.

An increasing number of children and young people grow up in low-income families. Child poverty leads to exclusion from social, cultural and sports arenas, which in turn can amplify the feeling of not belonging. That is why it is so important that we join forces and make sure all children can grow and develop in nurturing cirumstances, as well as have equal opportunitues to participate.

3. What resources were needed to implement the solution? : Creation of dialogue cards, presentations and workshops Collaboration with municipalities to develop activities together Identification of target public Public and private funding 4. Could you evaluate the Impact (effectiveness) of the measure carried out?: While many initiatives focus on other elements such as disability or gender, the economic factor is often overlooked. Therefore, this type of initiative not only pursues tangible results but also research and communication about this important barrier to participation.

5. Links, materials, documents on the initiative to be included in the toolkit: https://www.allemed.no/verktoykasse https://inkluderendefritid.no/kart/2021-2024 https://www.allemed.no/verktoykasse/ung/allemed-ung

Out4In (Trekkify) - ITALY

1. Select the barrier that is most repeated among the young people/network you have worked with: CULTURAL DIFFERENCES/GEOGRAPHICAL BARRIERS 2. What solutions/tools/methodologies have been used to solve the situation?: Out4In project promotes the empowerment, community integration, and environmental awareness of Refugee or Migrant women and girls.

It aims to encourage equity and inclusion by reducing barriers to participation in outdoor experiences for a target group traditionally underrepresented or excluded from this type of activity.

Refugee or migrant women and girls (RMW) are more likely to suffer from barriers to access with respect to education, training, and sports, often having to overcome obstacles related to their being migrants and women at the same time. They often come to Europe to join their families and have to take care of children and domestic responsibilities that may prevent them from fully participating in society.

3. What resources were needed to implement the solution? : EU funding through Erasmus+ Collaboration Projects Finding target group (Migrant or Refugee Women), Educators, Local Stakeholders 4. Could you evaluate the Impact (effectiveness) of the measure carried out?: These types of European projects enable the creation of effective and useful tools to encourage participation in outdoor activities, such as the Out4in Toolkit, which targets refugee and migrant women.

5. Links, materials, documents on the initiative to be included in the toolkit: https://www.out4in.eu/ https://www.out4in.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/OUT4IN-TOOLKIT_EN.pdf

Mountain Sports for Youth (EPPM) - FRANCE 1. Select the barrier that is most repeated among the young people/network you have worked with: ECONOMIC/SOCIAL/GEOGRAPHICAL BARRIERS 2. What solutions/tools/methodologies have been used to solve the situation?: Our activities are aimed at all types of people who do not have access to the mountains, whether they are vulnerable, living in poverty or socially excluded, with the aim of helping them to discover the benefits and to grow.

In some projects, and in particular the inclusive mountain sports clubs, we look for a mix of audiences to reinforce inclusion. We also travel to disadvantaged areas to offer activities directly in the neighbourhood.

The projects are designed in advance according to the needs of the group. Throughout the activities, mountain professionals liaise with the participants and adapt to their level. In most of the projects, there is no name at the outset for the target summit, so that we can continually adapt without creating frustration or feelings of failure.

3. What resources were needed to implement the solution? : Thanks to a large number of private and public partnerships, we are able to reduce the direct costs of our projects, making the mountains more accessible to social structures and direct beneficiaries.

To ensure that participants feel safe and comfortable, we have purchased a lot of technical equipment and clothing. We take the time to ensure that jackets and trousers are chosen to match the desired style.

Sponsors also give us equipment and/or money to finance some of our projects.

4. Could you evaluate the Impact (effectiveness) of the measure carried out?: The high adaptability, dynamism, and ease of replication of these activities represent the greatest advantage when working with different types of young people and contexts.

5. Links, materials, documents on the initiative to be included in the toolkit: https://www.montagne.org/fr https://www.montagne.org/index.php/fr/nos-initiatives

Interactive Camp Experience (CRCDC) - NORWAY 1. Select the barrier that is most repeated among the young people/network you have worked with: GEOGRAPHICAL BARRIERS 2. What solutions/tools/methodologies have been used to solve the situation?: Collaborative project with the Outdoor Council, focusing on integrating gaming and outdoor activities. The target demographic for this interactive camp was youth aged 14 to 18, particularly those who spend a significant amount of time indoors using computers and gaming consoles, often lacking social interaction.

The selection of this target group was deliberate, considering the associated risks of sedentary behavior and potential social challenges such as anxiety. The goal was to provide a safe and familiar environment for these youths to interact, hence utilizing gaming as a platform they are used to.

Outdoor activities aimed to demonstrate that outdoor recreation can be accessible and enjoyable without requiring extensive skills or physical exertion. The focus was on fostering a sense of mastery and enjoyment rather than overwhelming participants with challenging tasks.

3. What resources were needed to implement the solution? : Indoor gaming sessions, communal meals, and outdoor activities such as archery and low-threshold exercises Teachers and gaming/IT experts Outdoor instructors 4. Could you evaluate the Impact (effectiveness) of the measure carried out?: Seeking different approaches to outdoor participation, using new technological opportunities, allows us to break down even more barriers. In this process, young people have co-designed their project and play spaces, which has increased their sense of ownership and strengthened their soft skills.

5. Links, materials, documents on the initiative to be included in the toolkit: https://www.friluftsrad.no/ https://www.wittario.com/

“Fritidsbanken” - SWEDEN 1. Select the barrier that is most repeated among the young people/network you have worked with: ECONOMIC 2. What solutions/tools/methodologies have been used to solve the situation?: "Fritidsbanken" Free lending of sports and leisure equipment service 3. What resources were needed to implement the solution? : The Fritidsbanken's are 1. Everyone can borrow 2. Everything is free 3. Reused equipment It is completely free to borrow at Fritidsbanken; They do not charge any deposit or late fees. Should something happen to break, they try to fix it and if that doesn't work, the loaner will not be liable for compensation. Then they have together contributed to the equipment being used for as long as possible instead of collecting dust in a storage room.

All equipment is donated to us. The children grow quickly and the equipment that fit last season suddenly becomes unusable. The adults may get new interests or update with new things. The leisure bank is perfect when you want to try new activities, or when you use equipment on few occasions. For example, if you ski for a few days in a year, it may be better to borrow skis, poles, boots and helmets instead of them sitting unused in your storage for most of the year. Fritidsbanken also has equipment for people with different disabilities. Anyone who wants to borrow things at Fritidsbanken only needs to provide their name and mobile number. You will receive a text message as a confirmation with a link where you can see what you have borrowed and when it is due at the latest. Please note that we may refuse to lend certain equipment to minors who do not have parental permission. In such cases, it is mainly linked to security. The equipment is borrowed as is, and the borrower is responsible for ensuring that it meets safety recommendations.

Fritidsbanken is a non-profit initiative and the brand is owned by the non-profit association Fritidsbanken Sverige. Our statutes state that Fritidsbanken must never be run for profit and that we must handle as little money as possible. The only ones who make money are the employees in the form of salaries.

Fritidsbanken are manged in different ways, but never just by a company it is usually the Municipality who manage the local fritidsbanken. However, companies can be part of a group of actors that contribute to the realisation and operation of a leisure bank. The parties in such a group can come from civil society, the public sector and the business community and they sign an agreement, a Idea-based Public Partnership.

4. Could you evaluate the Impact (effectiveness) of the measure carried out?: This initiative not only offers equipment to those who cannot afford it, but is also based on other pillars such as the circular economy, community building and other key values for the outdoor community.

5. Links, materials, documents on the initiative to be included in the toolkit: https://www.fritidsbanken.se/ https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-19339-3

Outdoor life for the role models of the future - SWEDEN 1. Select the barrier that is most repeated among the young people/network you have worked with: CULTURAL DIFFERENCES 2. What solutions/tools/methodologies have been used to solve the situation?: Mentor Sweden, the Scouts and Friluftsfrämjandet (Swedish national outdoor assosiation) will together give young people the chance to strengthen themselves and experience adventures with nature as an arena. The project has been named Friluftsliv for the role models of the future and it will be financed through the Postal Code Lottery, which contributes 29 million kroner.

We believe that young people who live in areas with socio-economic challenges in Sweden need more good role models who inspire faith in the future. Based on this thought, we at Mentor Sweden, together with the Scouts and Friluftsfrämjandet, have created the project Friluftsliv for the role models of the future. Through methods such as mentorship, social community and the scout method - and with nature as an arena - we want to give children and young people the chance to discover and believe in their own abilities. Thanks to the Postcode Lottery, this project will now be granted and for four years we will work together on the project.

3. What resources were needed to implement the solution? : Funding from national lottery organisation.

The project will be carried out with the aim of breaking exclusion and making use of young people's potential in three municipalities where twelve schools will participate.

During four years, at least 16,000 meetings with children and young people must be carried out. 1,000 of these are offered day camps, praise camps and group mentoring.

During the holidays, at least 270 holiday jobs will also be created 4. Could you evaluate the Impact (effectiveness) of the measure carried out?: Effectiveness will be evaluated at a later date. For now, collaboration with public funds to develop initiatives for young people, involving different actors, is one of the successes of the initiative.

5. Links, materials, documents on the initiative to be included in the toolkit: https://mentor.se/nyheter/mentor-beviljas-postkodlotterietsdromprojekt/#:~:text=Mentor%20Sverige,%20Scouterna%20och%20Friluftsfr%C3%A4mjan det%20ska%20tillsammans%20ge%20unga%20chansen

The effect of outdoor life on mental health - SWEDEN 1. Select the barrier that is most repeated among the young people/network you have worked with: HEALTH 2. What solutions/tools/methodologies have been used to solve the situation?: Outdoor life creates positive effects on mental health regardless of where you are on the health scale. Outdoor life should therefore be part of the basic public health work, in preventive health work, as part of the treatment of mental illness and in connection with rehabilitation and recovery.

The positive effects that outdoor life creates for mental health are largely based on the fact that outdoor activities provide a combination of several health-promoting factors: Contact with nature Physical activity Social togetherness Increased self-esteem and self-control Changed self-image Conscious presence Contact with significant others Ability to adapt from adrenaline-filled to calm activities Long-term health-promoting lifestyle changes Context and meaningfulness Low thresholds: possibility to start outdoor activities regardless of age or ability Another advantage of outdoor life is that you don't have to compete. Large parts of outdoor life can also be found in the immediate area and can be adapted for each individual.

Outdoor promotion wants to take an active and leading part in all parts of the health scale linked to mental health. The positive effects that outdoor life creates for mental health are largely based on the fact that outdoor activities provide a combination of several healthpromoting factors: For 3 years, Friluftsfrämjandet runs the project Outdoor life for mental health - Hang out with us, which is financed by the Allmänna arvsfonden. In the venture, we further develop and spread a method where outdoor life is used as a tool for recovery from mental illness.

The development takes place in close collaboration with the method creator Therese Rosenkvist and the method's target group, partly by collaborating with user organisations, partly by employing people from the target group in the project.

3. What resources were needed to implement the solution? : Funds and cooperation between NGO and proffesional healtcare.

4. Could you evaluate the Impact (effectiveness) of the measure carried out?: Mental disabilities are often less visible than physical ones, and initiatives such as this help to raise awareness and propose different models of public health based on outdoor recreation schemes.

5. Links, materials, documents on the initiative to be included in the toolkit: https://www.friluftsframjandet.se/om-oss/friluftsliv/friluftsliv-for-alla/psykisk-ohalsafriluftsliv/