Dacorum Educational Support Centre

95% of our young people would never have the chance to experience these facilities if it wasn’t for the funding support we have received. We feel very lucky to have had the opportunity.

Dacorum Educational Support Centre’s mantra is: ‘Be the best you can be’. A statement that a group of teenagers being supported by the centre strived for when taking part in a programme of water based activities at Lee Valley White Water Centre this summer.

They overcame individual challenges and fears and demonstrated resilience and teamwork during the four weeks of funded sessions in which they tried paddleboarding, kayaking and the centre’s inflatable water wipe out course.

“Children at DESC live with a variety of behavioral and social, emotional and mental health difficulties including ADHD and Autism,” explains Key Stage 4 lead Chris Allgrove. “For many, this is their last chance saloon in education. They’ve sometimes been excluded from mainstream schools, so we teach in a different way. We are always looking for enrichment opportunities, and this programme has been incredible.”

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s Community Access Fund offers financial support for coaching or facility hire to community groups and charities to bring underserved communities to experience activities in the Park.

The groups from DESC, which works with children and schools across the Dacorum area of Hertfordshire, were mixed groups of 14 and 15 year old boys and girls in Y9, Y10 and 11.

“The instructors were fab. The sessions provided a chance for these children to experience things they would never have been able to access,” added Chris.

“It’s provided an enriching experience and shown them new opportunities. They’ve learnt teamwork skills, resilience and patience. At the last session the children got on so well that it over ran. There were no behavioral issues, and they listened to the instructors.

“The instructors were brilliant at breaking down barriers. Many of these children are also young carers and it’s been lovely to see them being kids again, being able to act their own age again for a few hours – to have fun.

“For some it has been a real challenge and tested their abilities but gradually they’ve built water confidence. Some said they didn’t want to take part but by week 2 were out on the water. Some have asked about continuing and one learner was so inspired he’s asked his parents to buy him a paddleboard and wetsuit!”

The Park’s Olympic legacy venue in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire is also home to the white water course used at the 2012 games – the same course that Team GB’s paddlers and Olympic medalists still train on today.

“Some of the group had heard of Lee Valley White Water Centre and its connection to the London 2012 Olympics but none had been before. They were bowled over by the facilities. They were amazed by the rafting.

“After a session it’s something they talked about for the rest of the week, so we know it’s had a big impact.

“In mainstream schools some of our learners challenging behavior means this type of opportunity would be taken away from them before they have had any access, but we take a different approach and trust them to take part in enrichment opportunities until they show us that we shouldn’t.

“95% of our young people would never have the chance to experience these facilities if it wasn’t for the funding support we have received. We feel very lucky to have had the opportunity.”