What is Adventure Therapy?
Adventure Therapy is the name of a therapeutic practice that combines the power of nature, the outdoors and physical activity to improve physical and mental health and help develop life skills. Its roots can be traced back to the 1960s with much of the theory being based on Occupational Therapy.
Adventure Therapy is also the name of our charity which was created by our founder by Rob Emery in 2017.
Find out more about Adventure Therapy
Find out more about our charity
What does Adventure Therapy do?
As a charity we work with children (over eight) and adults with emotional, physical or mental challenges, enabling them to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors and partaking in physical activities that help a range of issues in many different ways.
What activities do Adventure Therapy offer?
Being located by the sea many of our activities are sea based which includes:
- Surfing
- Paddle-boarding
- Canoeing / kayaking
- Coasteering
We also make use of our proximity to Exmoor and Dartmoor to offer other outdoor activities such as:
- Hiking
- Scrambling
- Climbing
- Abseiling
- Mountain biking
- Archery
- Nordic Walking
- Horse riding
Occasionally we may take groups or individuals to indoor rock climbing walls or high ropes adventure parks.
Sometimes we may just make it possible for individuals, families or groups to simply get out into nature for a walk.
Find out more about the activities we offer
Where is Adventure Therapy located?
We are based in Ilfracombe in North Devon and so too is our charity shop. However, our staff and supporters are located throughout the South West region from Somerset down to South Devon so we take referrals from all of those areas.
Find out more about our locations
How do I get referred to Adventure Therapy?
Adventure Therapy works with with professional referral partners which include NHS, Social Services, schools and colleges, other charities and community organisations or healthcare businesses. If you, your child or loved one is in the care of any of these organisations then you can request that they refer them on to us.
It is possible to submit a private referral if you are aged 18 or over or if you are the parent or legal guardian of a child or vulnerable adult, however you may need to cover some of the costs.
Find out about our referral process
Who uses your services?
We we work with children (over 8 years old), young people and adults. The activity we offer will depend on your age, fitness, skill level and ability.
We work with people with challenging health conditions, impairments or limitations. This means we support people with mental health conditions, emotional issues, neurodevelopmental disorders, physical disability, life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses and life-changing conditions.
Combining specialised equipment and the expertise of instructors and health professionals we are able to accommodate a wide range of ages and abilities.
What if my child is scared / uncomfortable?
Firstly, we will do all we can to ensure each participant is able to take part in their chosen activity. We do always carry out a risk assessment and if there are any potential problems they will either be resolved or if not, an alternative activity may be offered.
All of our staff are highly trained and will do all they can to make your child or loved one feel safe, comfortable and secure.
Meet some of the people behind Adventure Therapy
Do you require any health information?
Before any activity can take place we need to be made aware of a participants health condition and what medication they are currently on. When referred from the NHS this information is passed over with the referral. When a personal referral is made, we will need to obtain the information ourselves which may involve speakign to your GP or local health centre.