21/10/2025
Showcasing yet more fantastic work the Trades House and the 14 Associated Crafts do to help those in Glasgow, particularly proud of the work we do with your young people. Please have a read of a segment of the report below on our work. If you'd like more details please see bottom of report for contact details
Building Futures Outdoors: MCR Residentials 2025
Empowering Young Lives Through Outdoor Education: The Impact of Trades House Sponsorship
In summer 2025, Trades House funded residential outdoor education for young people in the MCR Pathways Programme across Glasgow schools. These fully funded opportunities offered more than a break from the city—they created transformative experiences that fostered resilience, confidence, and connection.
Outdoor education is a powerful driver of personal growth. Through adventure learning, teamwork, and immersion in nature, pupils developed essential skills such as problem solving, leadership, and collaboration—abilities vital for success in school and beyond.
For many participants facing personal and educational challenges, the impact was profound. Time away from familiar environments allowed them to uncover new strengths, build self-belief, and experience a sense of achievement. The calming influence of nature also supported mental and physical wellbeing, easing stress and anxiety.
This report highlights the outcomes of these programmes, and the lasting difference Trades House continues to make in the lives of Glasgow’s young people.
The Collaboration
Strengthening Futures Through Collaboration
The partnership between Trades House of Glasgow, Blairvadach Outdoor Education Services (Glasgow City Council) Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre , MCR Pathways has flourished in recent years, united by a shared mission: to enhance the life chances of young people across Glasgow.
Each organisation plays a vital role:
• Trades House provides essential funding to sustain the programme.
• Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre delivers high-quality experiential learning.
• MCR Pathways connects with young people, encouraging their participation through trusted school-based coordinators. These trusted adults are often the key to unlocking a young person’s confidence and willingness to take part. Without them, many would hesitate to attend.
Due to reduced summer holiday provision in 2025, the programme experienced a funding surplus. This unexpected opportunity opened support for term time access to take part in the Glasgow Urban Adventure Award: Glasgow Urban Adventure Award
Without doubt, these experiences would not be possible for this cohort of young people without the collaboration between Trades House Glasgow and Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre.
The feedback within this report demonstrates that where planned and progressive residential outdoor education experiences are shared, they have a transformative impact on young people, significantly contributing to their personal and social development. Being removed from familiar environments, these experiences foster resilience and confidence as participants are challenged physically and mentally. They develop problem-solving and leadership skills through activities, building a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy.
Socially, young people learn the importance of cooperation and communication, often working with peers they may not usually engage with. This encourages the formation of new friendships and stronger teamwork skills, boosting their ability to collaborate in school and other social settings.
The sense of achievement gained from overcoming challenges in nature enhances self-esteem, while the exposure to new environments broadens horizons and aspirations. Overall, these experiences foster personal growth, build social bonds, and provide skills that help mitigate the challenges of their daily lives.
Special thanks to Duncan Tannahill from Trades House Glasgow and the Glasgow MCR Pathways team for enabling the experiences. Without their tireless contribution, these young people would have missed out on a life changing experience.
Conclusion
Without doubt, these experiences would not be possible for this cohort of young people without the collaboration between Trades House Glasgow and Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre.
The feedback within this report demonstrates that where planned and progressive residential outdoor education experiences are shared, they have a transformative impact on young people, significantly contributing to their personal and social development. Being removed from familiar environments, these experiences foster resilience and confidence as participants are challenged physically and mentally. They develop problem-solving and leadership skills through activities, building a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy.
Socially, young people learn the importance of cooperation and communication, often working with peers they may not usually engage with. This encourages the formation of new friendships and stronger teamwork skills, boosting their ability to collaborate in school and other social settings. The sense of achievement gained from overcoming challenges in nature enhances self-esteem, while the exposure to new environments broadens horizons and aspirations. Overall, these experiences foster personal growth, build social bonds, and provide skills that help mitigate the challenges of their daily lives.
Special thanks to Duncan Tannahill from Trades House Glasgow and the Glasgow MCR Pathways team for enabling the experiences. Without their tireless contribution, these young people would have missed out on a life changing experience.
A huge thank you to everyone for a successful programme during summer 2025!
For more information
email:[email protected]
01436 820 491
