Created in April 2011, Active Connections supports people who are experiencing emotional distress by engaging them in outdoor-based therapeutic support.

In 2022, the team will carry out a staggering 20,000 contact hours with their participants – ensuring that these people are supported to identify their strengths, and given opportunities to build resilience and confidence.

The award-winning social enterprise’s ultimate mission is to have activity-based intervention as an option for all people. With this in mind, Active Connections runs three main programmes: ‘New Trails’, a bespoke adventure therapeutic service working one-on-one with participants; ‘Ember Camps’, an alternative to home respite for people with additional needs; and a team-building programme for companies, which financially supports their charitable work with people in need.

One parent said of Active Connections, “without their support our son would have fallen through all the cracks, we don’t know how you do what you do but keep it up”

• Visit activeconnections.ie, or email [email protected]

To read our mental health special in full, check out the new issue of Hot Press.