Our story
A unique opportunity for paddlers to give back to the community
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When working on our mental health, the gap between where we are now and where we see we want to be can crystallise while physically moving in the outdoors
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Our Story
We had for some time considered that a direct correlation existed between mental wellbeing and immersion in adventurous water sports, particularly open canoeing.
In March 2019, a group of eight former military personnel took part in their first canoe adventure on a lake in North Wales.
They had all been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and were all at different stages of their recovery journey.
Some had previously self-harmed, some remained alcohol or drug dependent, others were experiencing regular flash-backs or suffering from severe anxiety, depression or low mood.
After immersing themselves in the session, all reported an overwhelming sense of being ‘at one’ with nature and a feeling that anxiety levels were reducing.
Red river charitable Trust
Fast forward six months and the Red River Charitable Trust had been born. Entirely reliant on volunteer coaches and charitable donations, this ‘blue space’ experience had been shared with a wider group of people on their recovery from mental health illness and the benefits of this environmental immersion were clearly evident.
From simple ‘taster paddles’ to more adventurous overnight canoe camps, participants have grown to recognise the positive impact blue-space can have on their road to recovery.
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When working on our mental health, the gap between where we are now and where we see we want to be can crystallise while physically moving in the outdoors
Get Involved
To refer someone on to one of our programmes, we ask that your organisation becomes a registered referral partner.
Registered partners can then refer directly into our events as well as receiving early event launch notifications.
In the first instance, please email us with a brief outline of what your organisation does and how you feel it’s aims and objectives could benefit from involvement with Red River.
We will contact you with further information and finalise your registered referral partner status.
This process is entirely free of charge and becoming a registered referral partner provides your organisation with a number of benefits as well as direct access into the amazing work we deliver throughout the Country.
If you are an individual looking to access our services, contact us.