Thank you from Outfit Moray

I cannot thank you and the team enough for the wonderful outdoor activities you provided, this was exactly what the kids were needing during the holidays. All the instructors were excellent, ensuring they all had a great time whilst challenging their personal boundaries.

On behalf of the youth team I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and the team at Outfit for going the extra miles so we could offer top notch activities to our young people this Easter holiday. Thank you too for all the extra support and flexibility with arrangements.

We appreciate that the weather provided challenges for both the Monday 29th March paddle boarding and the Tuesday 6th April Tyrolean & Bushcraft and we appreciate that it is only because of the expertise, enthusiasm and commitment of all your staff that these went ahead safely and confidently, and everyone enjoyed a great time. I understand from the feedback from Dan and Marshall that in order not to do battle with the wind the paddleboard was rerouted to take in a 3 mile-ish paddle. It was great to see young people who were struggling to get the hang of it at the start confidently acknowledging that they had mastered it by about the mid-point and not least to go cruising past the others by the end! All the feedback was enthusiastic and very positive and although when I called with 4 of the young people to deliver cooking ingredients about an hour after they got back, they were in bed or on the sofa fast asleep, parents (or little brothers) reiterated they had enjoyed a super time!

Marshall, Ian and Sam delivered a fantastic day in the Oakwoods with Bushcraft and Tyrolean and the activities soon warmed everyone up after the walk in in a mini blizzard! We are in awe of Marshall and Sam coping with all those ropes, knots and gearing kit while actively engaging a gaggle of excited young people in tying the knots and creating a Tyrolean crossing that they were then confident enough to use! And they loved it -even the really nervous ones ( like me!!). Full marks to Marshall’s skill in getting the most nervous young person across with his encouragement and confidence boosting techniques ( leaving me no option but to go too!!). Ian’s bushcraft and especially fire-lighting was also a great hit and a favourite for some of the participants. His fascinating bushcraft knowledge of different resources in nature that can be used clearly engaged the young people who persevered to get a flame from a spark and the same can be said of how Ian enthused them. The hot chocolate and marshmallows were an added bonus that added to the already good cheer.

The fact that despite adverse weather conditions there was 100% attendance and enthusiasm speaks volumes and we really appreciate that we can avail of such brilliant, enjoyable and resilience-boosting activities for young people, particularly in these mega-challenging times.

Huge thanks to you and all the Team at Outfit for the unbeatable activities you provide.

Definitely seen an increase in confidence as their cycling skills develop. They enjoyed doing an activity outdoors and their fitness has improved as well as the amount of time they can focus.

I just wanted to pen a quick email to thank you and the school for giving J the opportunity to be part of the Ignite Project. I have seen a real positive difference in J since Christmas. J is more confident at school, he says he’s more settled and that he feels he belongs giving him that sense of inclusion. The realisation that he can achieve anything he sets out to do has now dawned and he is talking of teaching history in the future.

“[A] engaged very well with the sensory nature of canoeing. The instructor adapted the seating arrangement to allow [A] to sit in the base of the canoe.  A great inclusive experience and one where memories were made for the family as [A] has a life limiting condition. This activity with [A] and her parents will remain as a treasured valuable memory for them and the school. [A]’s achievements despite huge personal challenges shows there are no barriers or limits to a young person’s potential given appropriate support in their opportunities. Parents are looking to buy a canoe now for [A] to use and are considering Outfit Moray’s provision for disabled young people

We just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and your staff for a fantastic couple of days. The feedback from the young people; Carers and staff that were there has been really positive. Everyone really enjoyed it and said that your staff made the day really fun whilst also managing the dynamics and ‘spirited’ behaviours well!

One of the young people told his Carer this week he was the only one in the class with something to “show and tell” about what they had done in the holidays. He said his day at Loch Achilty was “the best day of his life”. Such a great experience for him, thank you.

I just wanted to take the time to thank you and to inform you of how my son’s time with Outfit Moray has helped him. Before he began the Outfit Moray sessions, he spent most of his play time playing alone. I was also informed how he was not joining in during classroom activities. However, after his Outfit Moray sessions, his confidence and self esteem has grown. When I picked him up from school, he always seemed so positive, happy. He described to me what tasks he had been able to achieve and also what he had achieved working within a team. The Outfit Moray sessions have been a part of helping my son to learn, develop social skills and soft skills, but most importantly, his own self confidence, so thank you.

I wish to highlight the excellent work that Oufit Moray carry out in partnership in delivering Shared Care Scotland Short Breaks. My son, C attended various activities. A stand out for me is instructor Andy. He is everything you could wish for as an instructor, he has first-hand experience in understanding the additional needs that my son, C requires to get through and more importantly enjoy the sessions hosted by Andy.

Andy is extremely patient, compassionate and understanding in everything that C looks for when engaging with a new person. The trust was built quickly meaning that C had the confidence in trying everything that Andy was allowing him to experience. These activities are hugely valuable in building new found confidence in C and something I welcome, it can be sometimes overwhelming when trying to entice C into new activities but the tentative work carried out by Oufit Moray is outstanding.

C has ADHD and Autism he is supported by his brother, A when it comes to new activities. It gives C new found confidence in trying new activities. My son’s attended throughout the months of April and May taking in Bushcraft, Canoeing, Kayaking, Paddleboard and fun in the water. It is truly testament that Outfit Moray are associated with these outreach activities and I would welcome more in the Outfit Moray Calendar if it could be facilitated.

I am very appreciative to Andy by spending valuable hours with C, and he now wishes to experience more water sports in the future. We have already invested in wetsuits, buoyancy aides and bodyboards to start with.

Thank you once again, keep up the excellent work and all that you offer as a supporter of children with additional needs.

Brilliant mountain biking course run in Forres for a week with great instructor John. My son is now so enthusiastic about biking and has picked up so many skills. Thank you John and Outfit Moray.

Thank you for X and his time with you on the respite week has resulted in significant positive change. He had previously struggled to communicate with adults and see them as people to share things with and receive support from. You have changed this, thank you.

Excellent adventure down the River Spey with Outfit Moray on their River Duckies. My daughter and I had a fantastic time learning about the river and controlling the Duckies to maximise our experience. The wildlife and scenery is out of this world. My daughter can’t wait to go again, and try some of the other activities Outfit Moray has to offer. Our instructors really made the day sharing their knowledge and setting challenges for everyone to try. Our friends are now looking to book the same experience. Thank you Outfit Moray!

Louie absolutely loved the climbing & abseiling and kayaking events. He got a chance to try some amazing new outdoor activities that boosted his confidence and made him excited to get involved with more! Thank you

Yes, definitely. The children increased their skills and safety when riding their bikes. There has been a noticeable increase in children using their bikes in the village. A number of parents have commented on how the bikeability has benefitted their families.

Outfit Moray provides an invaluable gateway to the outdoors for many young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, who would otherwise be unable to access these types of activities and sports. The team are highly experienced and professional, and always keep things fun and engaging so that everyone can get involved. Without a doubt, Outfit Moray helps these youngsters increase their self-confidence and take pride in their achievements, which will stand them in good stead for other challenges in life.