Empowering Adults with a Learning Disability to Explore the Outdoors: Our Active Community Thanet and Explore Kent

At Explore Kent, we believe everyone deserves the chance to enjoy the outdoors, feel connected to nature, and experience the wellbeing benefits of being active. That’s why we’re excited to be working in partnership with Mencap and Our Active Community Thanet on a brand-new project designed to empower adults with a learning disability to get outside, get walking, and feel confident exploring their local green spaces.

This initiative is built around a simple idea: nature is for everyone. With the right support, encouragement, and resources, adults with a learning disability can enjoy independent, fulfilling time outdoors – boosting their physical and mental wellbeing.

Why This Project Matters

Mencap’s vision is for people with a learning disability to live their lives to the full. They work tirelessly to build inclusive communities, campaign for a fairer society, and provide services that help people thrive. We’re proud to join forces with them and Our Active Community Thanet to bring these values to life through outdoor activity.

Thanks to funding from Our Active Community Thanet, Explore Kent is delivering a programme that will support more adults with a learning disability to enjoy the proven benefits of spending time in nature. A recent review of evidence from Natural England (2024) reinforces that many already feel intuitively – connecting with nature improves both physical and mental health, and best of all, it’s free, accessible, and open to everyone.

However, barriers still exist. The latest Disability and Activity Survey (2023/24) from Activity Alliance highlights that disabled people are twice as likely to be inactive compared to non-disabled people. Yet, importantly, the survey also found that most disabled people prefer being active outdoors – in parks, countryside, and woodland. This project aims to bridge that gap, creating opportunities that feel safe, supported, and enjoyable.

What the Project Involves

1. Co‑Designing Accessible, Easy‑Read Walking Maps

We’re putting adults with a learning disability at the heart of the process. A dedicated co‑design workshop will bring participants together to review our existing walking maps and help shape them into a new, inclusive, easy‑read format.

These clearer, user‑friendly maps will support independent walking and boost confidence in navigating the outdoors. You can find out more about Easy Read from the Mencap website.

2. Walk Leader Training for Adults with a learning disability

In partnership with Pied A Terre Adventures, we’ll be training 12 adults with a learning disability, along with their supporters, to become walk leaders in their own communities.

This isn’t just training; it’s about capacity building, growing skills, confidence, and leadership that will remain in the community long after the project ends. These new walk leaders will act as role models, breaking down barriers and inspiring others to join in.

3. Guided Walk Events to Build Skills and Confidence

Once trained, new walk leaders will help lead a series of guided walks across Thanet. These walks will offer:

• A chance to practise leadership skills
• A welcoming space for participants to grow confidence
• A gentle introduction to walking routes
• A supportive environment that encourages independence

The goal is for participants to eventually transition to using the self‑guided easy‑read maps – opening the door to walking in their own time, at their own pace.

Understanding Learning Disabilities

There are around 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK. A learning disability affects the way a person learns new things, understands information, or communicates. Many people may need more time or support with day‑to‑day tasks or new activities – but with the right help, they can and do lead fulfilling, independent lives.

Mencap has a wealth of information explaining learning disabilities in clear, accessible ways, helping to build understanding, inclusion, and support across communities.

A Step Towards a More Inclusive Outdoors

This project represents an important shift in how communities can support adults with a learning disability – through co‑design, leadership opportunities, and open, accessible pathways into nature.

By empowering people with the tools, confidence, and encouragement to get outdoors, we’re not just offering walks – we’re offering opportunity, independence, health, connection, and joy.

We can’t wait to see the impact of this programme as it unfolds, and we look forward to walking alongside our new leaders and participants every step of the way.