26–28 January | Loch Insh

The EA Green & Blue Health Champions Training is a three-day leadership, first aid and communication programme for young disabled and neurodivergent people who want to be active, confident and visible in the outdoors.

This programme is funded by the Cairngorms Youth Action Team & Youth LAG, with matched support from the Wellcome Trust, and is delivered by Equal Adventure.

This is not just a course.
It is the start of a long-term journey into leadership, community voice and inclusive outdoor adventure.

What is this programme about?

This training supports young disabled people to:

  • Grow in confidence
  • Learn practical leadership skills
  • Be safe and capable in outdoor environments
  • Share their stories and experiences
  • Become role models and changemakers

You do not need to be a professional outdoor instructor.
You do not need any qualifications.
You just need to want to be involved, heard and active.

This programme is designed so that disabled people are not just participants — they become leaders, storytellers and decision-makers in outdoor spaces.

What you will learn

Across the three days you will take part in:

First Aid & Safety

You will complete accredited first aid training focused on outdoor and activity settings, including:

  • CPR and use of a defibrillator
  • Bleeding and injuries
  • Asthma and anaphylaxis
  • Burns and choking
  • Hypothermia and heat exhaustion
  • How to get professional help in an emergency

You will leave feeling confident to support yourself and others.

Leadership & Confidence

You will explore what it means to be a leader in inclusive outdoor spaces, including:

  • Communication and teamwork
  • Making decisions
  • Supporting others
  • Working alongside instructors and staff
  • Leading in a way that feels right for you

This is not about being loud or bossy — it is about learning how to show up, speak up and support others.

Media, Photography & Storytelling

You will learn how to:

  • Take photos and videos
  • Record your experiences
  • Share stories from your community
  • Use social media and digital platforms safely and creatively

This helps you show the world what inclusive outdoor adventure really looks like — through your eyes.

Why this programme exists

Disabled and neurodivergent people are often left out of:

  • Outdoor leadership
  • Expeditions
  • Decision-making
  • Media and storytelling

This programme changes that.

By the end of the training, you will be part of a growing group of EA Green & Blue Health Champions — people who help shape, lead and represent inclusive outdoor adventure in the Cairngorms and beyond.

Who delivers the training

You will be supported by a team of experienced, friendly and highly skilled people:

All sessions are run in an inclusive, calm and supportive way, with space for different access needs, energy levels and communication styles.

Daily timetable

Each day follows the same gentle structure:

09:30 – 12:30
Morning session (with a break)

12:30 – 14:00
Lunch and personal care time

14:00 – 17:00
Afternoon session (with a break)

There will be space to rest, recharge and step away whenever you need.

What you need to bring

  • Comfortable clothes
  • Warm outdoor layers
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Any personal medication or equipment you need
  • Your phone or camera (if you want to use it for media sessions)

You do not need any special equipment or experience.

What you’ll leave with

By the end of the three days you will have:

  • First aid skills
  • Leadership confidence
  • Media and storytelling tools
  • New friends and peer support
  • A role as an EA Green & Blue Health Champion
  • Opportunities to be involved in future projects, events and adventures

You belong here

This programme is built around one simple idea:

Adventure belongs to everyone — and leadership does too.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Loch Insh and begin this journey together.