At Novus Health, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. Our commitment to social responsibility extends not only to the local environment but also to our staff and the causes that matter to them. We understand that supporting our team’s personal passions and projects is just as important as supporting larger initiatives, which is why we have created the Novus Health Business Community Fund—a resource designed to help our staff get involved in the things that matter most to them.
Whether it’s supporting local sports teams, contributing to community events, or sponsoring initiatives that align with our values, the Community Fund is here to assist. Recently, we’ve proudly sponsored a few of our staff’s sports teams, helping them pursue their athletic goals. We’ve also contributed to events such as the Wild Boar Challenge, and we continue to look for ways to support meaningful causes within our team. Today, we are delighted to announce that we are extending our commitment to community involvement by donating £500 from our Community Fund to Yorkshire Wildlings, a wonderful local organisation dedicated to connecting children and families with nature.
About Yorkshire Wildlings
Founded in 2023 by outdoor practitioner Tom Slack, Yorkshire Wildlings has made incredible strides in providing children with meaningful outdoor experiences. The organisation focuses on engaging young people in nature-based activities that promote health, wellbeing and personal development. Through their innovative programs, Yorkshire Wildlings has already worked with over 400 children in just one summer, offering a variety of fun and educational activities like den building, bug hunting, woodland exploration, and fire-making. Their child-led sessions foster confidence, self-esteem and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Yorkshire wildlings offer school holiday camps across the year, including residential, family campfires and extended wrap around care at their Bulcliffe and Woolley Edge camps, all of which are helping young people develop essential life skills and experience the mental and physical benefits of spending time outdoors.
In addition to their holiday camps, Yorkshire Wildlings also works with schools in South and West Yorkshire, providing weekly forest school and outdoor education sessions to around 200 children a week, and are always ready to engage with new schools and organisations.
How the Donation Will Help
Our £500 donation from the Novus Health Business Community Fund will go directly towards supporting key projects that enhance the accessibility and sustainability of Yorkshire Wildlings’ activities, including:
- Building a Bridge: Bulcliffe Woods, one of Yorkshire Wildlings’ main locations, has faced challenges due to muddy, uneven terrain. Our contribution will help purchase materials such as logs, tools and scaffolding poles to build a safe and durable bridge, allowing children, families, and workers to navigate the site more easily.
- Yorkshire Wildlings CIC: Yorkshire Wildlings is now an established Community Interest Company (CIC), allowing them to access additional funding and resources to expand their programs and ensure long-term sustainability. Our support has helped formalise the organisation, creating opportunities for greater community engagement and growth.
The Benefits of Forest School
The impact of outdoor education on children’s development is undeniable. The benefits of forest school include:
- Boosting Confidence & Self-Esteem: By engaging in outdoor activities, children learn resilience, problem-solving and self-reliance.
- Encouraging Independence: Child-led sessions empower young people to take initiative and make their own decisions.
- Improving Mental Health: Spending time in nature has proven to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting emotional wellbeing.
- Promoting Physical Health: Outdoor activities like running, climbing and exploring contribute to physical fitness and wellbeing.
- Fostering a Love for Nature: Early engagement with the environment nurtures a lifelong appreciation for conservation and sustainability.
Community Involvement
At Novus Health, we firmly believe in the power of community. That’s why we’re proud to be part of the growing support network around Yorkshire Wildlings. The organisation thrives on contributions from local businesses, all of whom play an essential role in maintaining and improving the woodland spaces. Volunteers assist with building structures, clearing paths and supporting forest school activities. Upcoming volunteer projects include the much-anticipated site clearance event on March 29th, which will further improve access to Bulcliffe Woods.
We encourage other businesses, schools and nurseries to join us in supporting Yorkshire Wildlings by donating materials, volunteering their time or making financial contributions.
Future Plans & Sustainability
Tom’s vision for Yorkshire Wildlings includes making the organisation a long-term, sustainable initiative that continues to impact children and families for years to come. Some of their exciting future goals include:
- Expanding their accessible spaces at Bulcliffe Woods.
- Establishing a new forest camp to accommodate more participants.
- Securing permanent premises to ensure long-term planning and growth.
As they grow, Yorkshire Wildlings plans to reach more children, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that nature-based learning remains accessible to all.
How You Can Support Yorkshire Wildlings
We’re incredibly proud to support Yorkshire Wildlings and their mission to reconnect children with nature. If you’d like to get involved, here are some ways you can help:
- Volunteer Your Time: Help with woodland maintenance, event planning, or assist in forest school sessions.
- Donate Materials: Old pallets, scaffolding poles and other outdoor supplies are always needed.
- Provide Financial Support: Contributions help fund critical projects such as bridge building, new camps and long-term site development.
- Spread the Word: Follow Yorkshire Wildlings on social media and share their initiatives to encourage more people to get involved.
If you would like to help with the volunteering event, please contact Tom on 07494666561, all help is greatly appreciated.
