‘Transforming Mental Health’ through outdoor adventure

OutdoorLads is helping mental health via outdoor activities…

Volunteer-led outdoor charity helps gay, bi, and trans community combat loneliness and boost wellbeing, with participation already up 10% in 2025.

“It’s amazing how quickly new friendships form at OutdoorLads—I’ve met people who’ve become lifelong friends, attended weddings of members who met on our events, and seen people’s lives genuinely change for the better. OutdoorLads is more than a charity; it’s like a second family.”

When members join their first OutdoorLads event, many don’t expect the significant positive impact it can have on their lives. But quickly, nervousness and uncertainty give way to genuine connections, newfound confidence, and lasting friendships. OutdoorLads events have sparked countless lifelong relationships, marriages, and deeply supportive friendships, proving that its impact reaches far beyond outdoor activities alone.

Tackling Loneliness Through Connection: Loneliness and mental health challenges are particularly prevalent within the LGBTQ+ community. Stonewall’s 2018 health report revealed that 52% of LGBTQ+ individuals experienced depression in the previous year, with even higher rates among trans and non-binary individuals.

OutdoorLads directly addresses these issues, providing inclusive, supportive experiences where members build meaningful friendships, form strong community bonds, and discover a genuine sense of belonging.

“OutdoorLads has given me friends I genuinely consider family. It’s about far more than the activities—it’s a community where you truly belong,” says one long-standing member.

A Range of Events for Everyone: OutdoorLads provides a variety of events that cater to different interests and abilities. For those looking for high adventure, there are mountain hikes, scrambling routes, and technical cycling rides. But for those who are building their confidence or fitness, there are plenty of options too—such as gentle countryside walks, city-edge leisure walks, and relaxed cycling routes designed to be welcoming to newcomers.

These events ensure that everyone, regardless of experience or fitness level, can benefit from the positive impact of being outdoors while feeling included and supported by the OutdoorLads community.

Volunteer leaders regularly witness life-changing moments among members at OutdoorLads events: “It’s amazing seeing someone start the day feeling unsure, then ending it laughing, smiling, and relaxed.” … “OutdoorLads events provide a supportive space where people come out of their shells and form friendships that last a lifetime.” … “I’ve had people tell me they felt alone before joining OutdoorLads—now they have an entire community behind them.”

Research consistently shows that spending just two hours a week outdoors can significantly reduce stress, boost mood, and enhance overall mental wellbeing (Mind, NHS). Activities like hiking and climbing further build resilience, self-esteem, and mental clarity. Increasingly, GPs recognise the therapeutic benefits of nature-based activities, prescribing outdoor experiences to tackle anxiety and depression.

Volunteers, The Heartbeat of OutdoorLads: Behind each of these transformative events are dedicated OutdoorLads volunteers. In 2024 alone, volunteer leaders ran nearly 1,700 events, offering over 33,214 spaces for members to join. Altogether, they contributed more than 22,700 volunteer hours. So far in 2025, volunteers have already dedicated more than 8,600 hours, creating powerful experiences that positively shape lives across the UK.

“Volunteering with OutdoorLads is hugely rewarding,” says one leader. “I love seeing how quickly people feel welcome and comfortable. Witnessing members become more confident and connected through our events is incredibly inspiring.”

The OutdoorLads Foundation, Making Adventure Accessible: The OutdoorLads Foundation exists to ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent people from accessing the benefits of outdoor adventure. Through grants and financial support, the foundation helps members with the costs associated with participating in events, whether that’s travel expenses, equipment, or accommodation.

By making outdoor activities more accessible, the Foundation ensures that more people can experience the positive mental and physical wellbeing benefits of getting outside, regardless of their financial situation.

OutdoorLads continues to expand, providing extensive training and support to volunteers, including free first aid, navigation, and accredited outdoor leadership qualifications. With more events planned for 2025, the charity remains committed to ensuring outdoor adventures remain accessible to everyone in the community.

To find out more, get involved, or access training opportunities, visit www.outdoorlads.com