Our Story
OutLET was Jackie Simpson’s vision.
She wanted to create a safe space that allowed ALL children and young people to be courageous in nature, to reconnect and fall in love with the outdoors.
She had seen the incredible impact that natural environments had on young minds while working as a volunteer. At this point in her life, she had left the armed forces, started a family, and moved hundreds of miles within a year.
This voluntary work not only inspired a passion for helping young people, but she experienced for herself the benefits of nature and time outside for mental health. As she continued to gain knowledge, experience and accreditation in this field, she also was able to bring into sharp focus what she wanted OutLET to achieve.
One young person she worked with had a particularly long-lasting impact on her. This young person was experiencing an extremely challenging home life and the chaos and trauma affected all areas of their life, dismissed by so many as a lost cause.
Jackie would not give up on them.
As a result, she saw this young person thrive and learn to succeed when outdoors and with the right support. Giving this gift to other children is now Jackie’s purpose.
Armed with the knowledge that play is so much more than what kids do to pass the time, Jackie wants the world to know that it’s an essential part of development, growth, health, and well-being.
In the modern world with an increasing reliance on screens and technology, the skills developed through play are being lost.
Jackie is changing this. She is providing the children of central Scotland with an ‘OUTLET’ from the pressures of life today.
As OutLET grows, so does the impact.
- Vulnerable people who connect with OutLET have more confidence, healthier relationships, improved well-being as well as better educational attainment.
- The families who connect with OutLET can see the benefit of nature for themselves. They become advocates for outdoor learning in their schools and communities as well as continuing to value the opportunities to play within their own families.
- Schools and organisations that connect with OutLET are able to meet the diverse and sometimes complex needs of the people in their care as well as upskill and educate their own staff.
- The OutLET team is valued as humans before employees. As a Family First employer, we do everything we can to ensure a work-life balance and give staff an hour of paid time for self-care.
- The environment benefits as here at OutLET, we show people the importance of nature and sustainability for both their well-being and the future of the planet.
We encourage them to be stewards of the forest.
OutLET is a social enterprise built on HOPE and INCLUSIVITY
Jackie and her team believe that as the world evolves, the answer to a happy healthy future for our children can be found in nature.
