Amy launched her franchise last year in Havering, Essex. In this interview Amy talks about what the clubs mean to her and local community. 

What were you doing before the Outdoors Project?

I was an Assistant Headteacher, working in education for the past 14 years. I wanted to get back to working directly with children and doing something positive. I've been an Outdoors Project franchisee for 2 years now, and I've really enjoyed the change from what I was doing previously. Prior to running my own business I was in education, working really long hours and didn't have a good work/life balance. I felt burnt out trying to juggle family life with a stressful job. 

What's your work-life balance like now you've built up your business?

Since taking on  the franchise, mine, and my family's quality of life has improved considerably! I can choose to work when I want to and have had so much more time with my children. I can work from coffee shops during the day if I chose to and working outdoors to run clubs is an absolute pleasure and a breath of fresh air (literally!)

I can choose to work when I want to and have had so much more time with my children.

What are some of your favourite activities? 

I particularly love bushcraft days as lots of the activities we do are things I didn't get to do when teaching! All the activities are well thought through and I can't say that there's been an activity I haven't enjoyed. 

How have you found the support from the Outdoors Project HQ

The Outdoors Project HQ is hugely supportive and are always on hand to answer questions or offer advice, as are the other franchisees. Sessions are expertly planned, but with the flexibility to put your own twist on things should you wish to do so. 

 I love that we have a whole new generation of children reaping the rewards of being outdoors.

What does The Outdoors Project mean to your parents and children?

The feedback I’ve had from parents/carers and children has been really positive. We have a lot of regular children coming to clubs – it’s a really lovely little community that we’re building. I’ve just received an email from a parent to say that her daughter and a friend spent hours outdoors over the school holidays digging up stones (which they called ‘treasures’) and playing with sticks. I love that we have a whole new generation of children reaping the rewards of being outdoors. I've met some lovely children and families since running the business and we feel a proper part of our community, bringing something positive to local children. Running a business isn't always easy, but with the support in place, I really wouldn't want to be doing anything else. 
 
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The Outdoors Project franchisee's come from a wide range of backgrounds - from the business world, to teaching to outdoors professional. What unites them is a passion for creating outdoor environments for children to be adventurous, imaginative and free from the pressure of the modern world.

Amy Parry, Havering Franchisee

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