Our Programme
At SiMY, our programme helps young people connect with nature, creativity, and community.
Most of our activities are completely free, although we may charge a small fee or deposit for more expensive activities or overnight trips.
We offer:
- Weekly after-school sessions for primary and secondary aged groups
- Weekend adventures offering a day or overnight trip
- School holiday programmes through Easter, Summer, and October
- Parents groups
- Community events & open days where everyone comes together
- Free, healthy food at all of our activities
All of our activities fall into four main areas:
Mindful or Adventurous Outdoor Activities
We take young people into nature to experience outdoor activities that challenge them, build confidence and improve wellbeing by immersing them in beautiful natural spaces.
Time and time again we see young people transformed by a day outdoors. Whether climbing, paddling, walking in the hills or swimming in a loch, they step outside their comfort zones, discover new abilities and return feeling calmer, energised and proud of what they have achieved.
We’ve gone biking, rock climbing, wild swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding, snowboarding, foraging, on forest and hill walks, and so much more.
“Living in the city with two parents who don’t drive, I love these trips because I don’t get out of the city much”
Cultivating Nature in the City
Because we know how important spending time in nature really is, we’ve made it our mission to create and care for relaxing and functional green spaces in the heart of the city.
We run our youth-led Grassroots Garden at Lister Street, work with local schools to develop their eco-gardens and maintain welcoming green spaces where local people can slow down, connect with nature and spend time outdoors together.
“I absolutely love the garden; it’s my happy place”
Creative Activities
The creative arts are a powerful way for young people to reflect, express themselves and explore the issues that matter to them.
Through our arts programme, young people have explored theatre, exhibitions, creative writing, music making, dance, stained glass, print making, photography, film and much more.
Creative work helps young people build confidence, share their perspectives and make positive contributions to their communities.
“It’s cool to find out how paper is made! And getting to make it ourselves! That was my favourite activity”
Residential Experiences
Residential trips are some of the most powerful experiences we offer. These nature and adventure-focused experiences allow young people to travel, see new places and build strong friendships.
Living and exploring together outdoors helps young people step outside their comfort zones, try new things and develop resilience, independence and confidence in themselves.
“I’ve been able to get out of my comfort zone, do all these fun activities, and just be myself for a week”
Want to Get Involved?
Whether you’re a young person, volunteer, school or community partner, we’d love to hear from you.
Click here to find out how to join or support SiMY.
Get InvolvedHow We Are Funded
SiMY is an independent charity, which means we raise all the funding needed to run our programmes and keep our organisation going.
Our work is made possible thanks to the generous support of individual donors, community partners, businesses and charitable foundations.
If you would like to support our work, please consider making a donation.
We are grateful to the foundations and funders who support our work and help make everything we do possible.
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