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DD Charity Blog
A place for us to highlight the great work of charitable groups we are supporting with donations of DD Hammocks Gear each month. We are proud to be working with community engagement programs, mental health charities and more to provide equipment and easy access to the great outdoors for those in need.
DD Charity Update - June 2024
The summer sun is here in full force, bringing with it the long days and warm weather; and now more than ever we're working to help those less fortunate get out into nature and experience the healing benefits of the great outdoors!
For the months of May and June we're proud to partner with The Ernest Cook Trust and The Outward Bound Trust's Loch Eil Center; both based in the UK and with a passion for reconnecting children and young people with nature in our modern digital age.
Located in Little Dalby Estate in Leicestershire, The Ernest Cook Trust has a long history of over 70 years of working together with nature to bring people and conservation together as one:
"The roots of The Ernest Cook Trust are deeply embedded in our founder’s love of the countryside. When Ernest Cook had great wealth thrust upon him, he combined this good fortune with a passion for conserving the countryside, buying several country estates which were eventually bequeathed to The Ernest Cook Trust - the educational charity he established in 1952. Today, the Trust is one of the UK’s foremost providers and funders of Outdoor Learning.
This important work takes place on and beyond our thriving estates, as we develop partnerships and collaborations with like-minded organisations also seeking to share their passion for Outdoor Learning, particularly with underserved 
children, young people and their communities across the UK. Just as Ernest Cook shared his own good fortune, so we also share the wealth of our knowledge and experience as influencers in the debate around the environment, farming, sustainability and Outdoor Learning.
We are creating a wealth of opportunities to help underserved children and young people make meaningful connections with nature and the outdoors. Our aim is to enable better educational, professional and life outcomes for each individual as they connect with nature and acquire knowledge and skills. We do this by working alongside schools, colleges and a broad spectrum of private and public sector organisations, providing a range of tailored Outdoor Learning sessions, training and grant funding."
We caught up with Diane Watson of The Ernest Cook Trust, who reiterates the importance of their work:
"The Ernest Cook Trust helps children and young people, their families and communities forge lasting connections with nature, particularly those who face barriers to access and participation in the outdoors. We make it possible for young people to experience the outdoors and discover a life-long love and understanding of the natural world.
With a story spanning seven decades, The Ernest Cook Trust has a wealth of knowledge, experience and understanding which we proactively share, as influencers in the debate around the environment, farming, sustainability, and Outdoor Learning. Our work is often done in collaborations and partnerships with like-minded organisations, with whom we help to create a diverse outdoors where people and places flourish.
We’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to DD Hammocks for their generous donation of hammocks and tarps, which help us make the most of the wonderful outdoor spaces where amazing things happen. Thank you!"
With our donation of 12 sets of our DD Charity Edition Scout Hammocks and Tarps, we hope that all the staff, kids and families at The Ernest Cook Trust have a wonderful time in their adventures going forward for many months and years to come.
To find out more about The Ernest Cook Trust and the work they do, visit their Website and Facebook page for more adventure!
Established in 1941, The Outward Bound Trust was originally formed to save young lives directly threatened and impacted by World War 2, as well as giving young seafaring individuals the confirnce and perseverence to survive harsh conditions at sea and out in the wild. As times have changed, the need for exploring and conserving the natural world has only increased, and The Outward Bound Trust has established several centers around the UK to empower and educate young people in outdoors, regardless of income or background.
As their website states; "Our mission is to inspire young people to realise their potential through learning and adventure in the outdoors. We partner with schools, colleges, employers and youth groups to teach the most important lesson they could ever learn: to believe in themselves. We never let financial need stand in the way of attendance. Over 80% of attendees receive funding to come on courses. Our goal is to empower all young people to succeed; for themselves, their communities and society.
Society needs young people who are self-aware, confident, and resilient and who can thrive in a fast-moving, digital, and uncertain world. Outward Bound equips young people with the skills and capabilities to realise their potential and positively contribute to their schools, workplaces and communities. We will ensure that every young person is inspired to do and be more because of their Outward Bound experience, and we will actively collaborate with others to champion the right for young people to access transformational outdoor adventures.
Our courses take participants on a journey of self-discovery. They leave the familiar behind and head to the wild hills, lakes and lochs. They take on adventures, overcome challenges and learn about leadership, teamwork and resilience. Often these experiences can be life changing."
By offering various courses, such as residential camps, outdoors adventuring for youth groups and tutoring for college students and graduates to take the next step in life, The Outward Bound Trust works tirelessly to help young people become the best versions of themselves with the help of nature.
We have donated a total of 20 sets of DD Charity Edition Scout Hammocks and Tarps to The Outward Bound Trust to be used in their Loch Eil center in the Scottish Highlands; assisting the staff in spreading the joy of the outdoors to as many people in the local area as possible. We very much hope that The Loch Eil center continues to enjoy Exploring the Outdoors!
To find out more about The Outward Bound Trust, you can visit their Website and Instagram pages.
As sunny summer continues to help nature thrive and grow, we want to do the same for those needing the opportunity to do the same!
If you know of a charity, group or cause with a focus on the outdoors and a passion for helping those less fortunate get out into nature that would benefit from some free outdoor equipment plus a spot on the DD Charity Blog to showcase their work, we would love to hear from you!
Help us help others, and get involved by getting in touch with us via our DD Charity contact form.
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Vikki
A regular on the hiking trails of Northern Scotland, Vikki loves nothing more than being in the great outdoors. When she's not pulling on her hiking boots or trail shoes, this DD Team Member can often be spotted in the gym or curled up at home with a sketchpad and pencil.
DD Charity Update - June 2024
