Matthew Richardson (He/Him) – Outdoor Education Activities Coordinator
A major and developing strand of QPC’s work is outdoor education and experience. Uniquely in the sector, we have recruited an outdoors specialist, Matthew Richardson, to lead our activity team and drive forward our ability to offer meaning and life-changing outdoors experiences to the young people who live with us. We do this because we understand the link between physical activity and mental health: that by building confidence and resilience through the opportunity to test themselves (working as part of group or individually) in new environments and learning new skills, beyond what they thought possible, ensures that each young person feels more confident, motivated and able. This then helps in other areas of their life in the home, in education and in starting healing by building new relationships and a new understanding of themselves. Our focus through all of our programs is improved mental health literacy leading to greater impulse control and emotional well-being.
Matthew is a fully qualified outdoor professional and instructor with over 15 years’ experience of working in the field of Outdoor Education. He is absolutely passionate about the outdoors and the positive force it can be in a young person’s development and education. Before joining QPC, Matthew had a proven track record, including with St Helens, Sefton, Cheshire east and Greater Manchester of engaging positively with young people from the age of 8 up to 25 who are the ‘hardest to reach’.
Matthew has a BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching and developing participation with a range of additional outdoors qualifications and training including in BELA, BCU Canoe & Kayak Coach level 1, BDA Dragonboat Coach Level 3, GANAS Archery leader, Mountain Bike level 2 coach, RYA Day skipper, RYA safety boat operator, RYA Inland waterways helm and RYA safety boat operator. All our activities are robustly risk assessed and led by appropriately qualified and experienced people.