1. My Big Adventure (MBA) is a local social
enterprise specialised in improving the
engagement of young people with learning,
developing their interpersonal skills and
building their self-confidence by using
outdoors settings therapeutically.
Established in 2010 it delivers highly
personalised interventions to equip young
people to believe in themselves and to want
to achieve.
Integrated Service
MBA goes beyond the traditional use of
outdoors activities for ‘character building’ by
integrating aspects of Solution-Focused
Therapy and Adventure Therapy. It is led by a
Solution-Focused counsellor, accredited by
the National Counselling Society, highly
qualified in leading licensed adventure
activities, who previously taught sciences. It
is delivered jointly with a team of suitably
skilled and supervised staff committed to
positive outcomes.
Highly Person Centred
This is a highly participatory service with the
young person being guided in designing and
undertaking challenges in natural
environments and engaging in semi-
structured solution-focused conversations.
Challenge opportunities include walking in
the countryside and in mountains, canoeing,
off-road cycling, rock climbing, caving, and
camping. Preferred activities are negotiated
with the young person based on informed
choice, physical and emotional capacity,
safety, and scope for transferring learning and
personal development to everyday situations.
Individual packages are provided on a ratio
of two adults to one young person.
Outcome Focused
The service provides for young people aged
10 to 18 years old within a 50-mile radius of
Worcester. It operates flexibly throughout the
year Monday to Friday. Sessions consist of
full days over a period appropriate to the
young person’s needs and personal goals.
Weekends and longer periods of intervention
are available for immersive experiences of
being away from home in a small group,
learning to take more responsibilities for self,
and gaining and giving respect through
interactions and achievements with peers.
Holistic and coordinated
Referrals are open to commissioners and
providers in education, social care, and
health, including mental health and well
being, conditional to evidence of funding.
Referrers are strongly encouraged to work in
partnership with the MBA team to ensure a
holistic and coordinated approach for the
young person.
Making referrals
Referrers are required to make a joint risk
assessment and risk management plan with
MBA, as appropriate, before a referral can be
accepted. The service is not suitable for
young people who require personal care or
medical supervision or are engaged in risk
behaviours towards self or others.
To discuss referrals please contact Stephan
Natynczuk, D.Phil, PGCE, LPIOL, MNCS, MBA,
founder and leader, on 0781064522 or email
mybigadventure@icloud.com. Website:
www.mybigadventure.org.uk (under
reconstruction).
EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE
THROUGH ADVENTURE THERAPY
with My Big Adventure CIC