Adventure Mind is a conference series exploring the importance of adventure to wellbeing and mental health. It is for everyone who is interested in in understanding the connection between adventure and wellbeing, including outdoor professionals, wellbeing practitioners, researchers, health professionals & all adventurers.

This year’s theme is ‘Accessible Adventures’ and the conference will be hosted by Beyond Bendrigg, in partnership with The University of Central Lancashire.

We will examine the importance of adventure for mental health of those who face the most significant barriers to accessing challenges in the outdoors.  Barriers might include poor mental health, disability, gender identity, race, and socio-economic factors. These groups stand to benefit the most - so we will also explore how to deliver accessible and inclusive adventures for all and design them to maximise the power of adventure for everyone. 

This conference is designed to equip you with the latest research, share practice, improve networks, and share resources, to increase the impact and effectiveness of your work.

It is recognised as CPD by The Mountain Training Association, Association of Mountaineering Instructors and British Association of International Mountain Leaders.

This 2024 event will be hosted by Beyond Bendrigg, part of the Bendrigg Trust – an accessible outdoor centre for disabled and disadvantaged children and adults near Kendal in Cumbria. Delegates will have the chance to see how Bendrigg designs and delivers accessible and inclusive adventures with opportunities to discuss ideas with Bendrigg staff and tour the facilities. 

The conference will take place just before the Kendal Mountain Festival – so why not stay on in the area for the weekend and be inspired by all the events taking place during the festival! It may be possible to stay on at Bendrigg during the Mountain Festival, contact us direct to discuss your requirements. 

Who is Adventure Mind for?

Adventure Mind brings together over one hundred adventure practitioners, health & wellbeing professionals, researchers, policy makers and all adventurers to better understand how adventurous activity can positively affect mental health and wellbeing in the UK.

The conference is designed for any outdoor organisation or practitioner that works to improve the wellbeing of their participants and for individuals who are interested in how adventure can affect them. Attendees benefit from learning about new research, smarter ways to deliver adventure, how to best assess impact and how to win funding.

The event incorporates indoor and outdoor workshops, keynote speakers, panel discussions, networking opportunities, presentations of case studies by practitioners and the latest evidence by leading scientists. 

Location

Adventure Mind 2024 will take place at Bendrigg Trust – an accessible outdoor centre just outside Kendal in Cumbria. Located just off Junction 37 of the M6 motorway, nestled between the Yorshire Dales and the Lake District.

Postcode: LA8 0NR
Grid Ref: 581892

What3words: ///teaching.emeralds.hiking

The nearest train station is Oxenholme Lake District, approximately 4 miles away. There is no public transport to Bendrigg Lodge however pick up can be arranged with Bendrigg or taxi’s are available outside the station building. 

Please note, parking is extremely limited at Bendrigg, and will be prioritised for those with accessibility needs. We are encouraging travel by train or car-sharing wherever possible. Regular shuttle services will be operating to Bendrigg from various local locations including the train station and the Killington Motorway Services throughout the conference. 

Booking and what’s included:

To book your tickets please click on the calendar above.

Eary Bird Price is £165 per person including:

• All presentations, indoor and outdoor workshops, panel discussions and networking sessions on both Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd November
• 1 x two-course networking dinner on Thursday evening
• 2 x cooked lunches
• Two servings of tea/coffee/biscuits each day

Please note, the price will increase to £190 after 19th July 2024.

When you book, you have the opportunity to add an optional donation to Bendrigg which will help us continue our work making adventure accessible to all. 

If you would like to attend but feel that you would struggle with the cost of a ticket then please get in touch with us direct. Bursary support may be available. 

Accessibility

Bendrigg is set up to be an inclusive and accessible space. This includes (but is not limited to): wheelchair access, changing places toilets, communication aids and a variety of aids for daily living. Please let us know about any accessibility or additional needs you might have during the booking process. Alternatively you can contact us direct. 

Accommodation

Comfortable rooms are available onsite and at a local basic hotel a few minutes’ drive away. Shuttle buses will bring you to and from the hotel to the conference each day.

You can book Wednesday and/or Thursday night and prices include breakfast.

Please add the number of conference tickets you need to your basket and then click the links below to book your accommodation. 

Bed in a shared Dormitory - £30 per person per night - please call direct to book - places available

Bed in shared twin/double room - £48 per person per night - please call direct to book - places available

Twin room (sole occupancy) - £78 per night

Three- bed room - £120 per night

Four-bed room - £160 per night

Five-bed room - £200 per night

There are also various accommodation options in the local area. Kendal has a wealth of accommodation options for all budgets including hotels, hostels and campsites/campervan sites.

Please note, parking is extremely limited at Bendrigg and will be prioritised for those with accessibility needs. We are encouraging travel by train or car-sharing wherever possible. Regular shuttle services will be operating to Bendrigg from various local locations including the train station and the Killington Motorway Services throughout the conference.