The Ripple Effect, Giving Youth Oportunity
Devon, United Kingdom
£0
Target: £1,000
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35 days left
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Aim
To help Young People with day-to-day provisions, coats, wellies, water bottles, and purchasing Equipment for learning projects.
Young Person Alternative Provision
ReCon Devon – Unlocking Potential, Changing Lives
At ReCon Devon, we believe every young person has untapped potential. Via our Alternative Education Provision and one-on-one bespoke mentoring, we help them break free from negativity, build self-belief, and develop confidence—empowering them to take control of their future.
A Transformational Approach
Our alternative education process is organic and personal. Early sessions focus on identifying barriers, while ongoing mentoring fosters growth. This mindset shift leads to:
✅ Greater self-awareness and resilience
✅ Improved communication and life skills
✅ A newfound respect for themselves and those around them
Throughout a young person's Alternative Education journey with Recon Devon we emphasise "The Power of No”—a simple yet life-changing tool to resist peer pressure, one of the biggest challenges facing today’s youth.
Learning Beyond Four Walls
ReCon Devon’s Alternative Education Provision goes beyond traditional learning environments. We harness Devon’s stunning natural surroundings—moors, coastlines, and forests—to create enriching experiences. Whether through adventure activities, quiet reflection, fishing, or outdoor cooking, young people discover their true selves, gain confidence, and express their thoughts and feelings in a safe space.
What We Offer
✔ Tailored intervention and alternative education sessions focused on achieving meaningful goals
✔ Collaborative meetings with students, families, and schools
✔ Comprehensive session reports and attendance tracking
✔ Practical life support, including CV writing, job searching, and college prep
✔ Family support, because we go the extra mile—always
Making a Difference
Reconnect. Explore. Thrive.
At ReCon Devon, every session is an adventure—crafted uniquely to meet the needs, abilities, and aspirations of young people. We don’t just offer sessions; we create experiences that spark growth, confidence, and resilience.
The Great Outdoors—A Natural Classroom
Our sessions take full advantage of the breath-taking landscapes of Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset. From the rugged coastlines to the vast wilderness of Dartmoor and Exmoor, young people embark on journeys that challenge, inspire, and heal. Whether it’s forest treks, lakeside explorations, or riverside reflections, every environment offers an opportunity to learn, grow, and build essential life skills.
Time to Be. Time to Talk. Time to Listen.
We understand that trust doesn’t happen overnight. That’s why we give young people the time and space they need—without pressure. Whether through a walk-and-talk session or a quiet moment by the water, conversations happen naturally. Persistence without pressure is key, and when the time is right, young people open up, take charge, and start shaping their own futures.
Adventures with Purpose
Our activities are more than just fun—they build confidence, communication, and resilience:
- Den Building & Fire Pits – Teamwork, problem-solving, and survival skills in action.
- Looking for items to fix, repurpose at Recycling Centres, Bikes, Scooters, furniture for their homes, and sporting equipment - empowering, decision-making, work ethic & reward
- Outdoor Cooking & Fishing – Patience, focus, and the joy of self-sufficiency.
- Kite Flying & Beachcombing – Freedom, mindfulness, and creativity unleashed. Museums, Galleries & Zoos – Learning beyond the classroom, inspired by curiosity.
- Climbing & Outdoor Challenges – Setting goals, pushing boundaries, and celebrating achievements.
When milestones are reached, rewards follow—an exciting outdoor activity, a visit to an inspiring place, or an experience that fuels ambition.
Empowered for Life
At ReCon Devon, every session carries a powerful lesson: "The Power of No".
Young people learn to say no to negative influences, no to harmful choices, and no to limiting beliefs. With support, guidance, and real-world experiences, they take ownership of their journey and step into their potential.
About Me, James Dashwood, Founder & Lead Practitioner
Being a father is the most valuable and fulfilling role in my life. Co-parenting has been a journey of growth, teaching me invaluable lessons every day.
I thrive in the great outdoors, embracing "van life" and exploring my favourite places—Dartmoor, Exmoor, and the rugged Devonshire coastlines. These landscapes are where I feel most at home, connected to nature and myself.
My Journey
Raised in North Devon, I moved to London at age 7, where I grew up, studied, and built my career. Over the years, I’ve gained diverse experience across various industries:
✔ Sports Broadcasting
✔ Sales & Corporate Hospitality
✔ Legal & Financial Recruitment
✔ Entrepreneurship, including running a successful transport company, working with clients like ITV, BBC, and Decca Records
I’ve worked in offices, but I’ve also grafted in the mud and rain, embracing every challenge along the way.
My first jobs, from working in a pet shop and garden centre to helping at Greenwich Market, taught me the value of hard work from an early age.
Joining the Army Cadets provided life lessons that still guide me today. Moving frequently as a child meant I was always the “new kid,” forcing me to adapt, navigate challenges, and build resilience.
But life hasn’t always been smooth. Like many, I’ve faced struggles, made mistakes, and learned tough lessons. The most powerful? "The Power of No"—a principle I now share with every young person I mentor.
My Purpose – Why I Do This
When COVID changed the world, it also changed me. I knew I wanted something more meaningful than corporate life. Two people—one a parent, the other an industry veteran—told me, "You’d be great at this." So I listened.
Since 2020, I’ve dedicated myself to becoming a Young Person Practitioner, using my life experiences to guide and empower young people.
My Mission
🔹 Reconnect young people with life—help them see their potential and develop self-belief.
🔹 Empower them to make the right choices, regulate behaviour, and build coping strategies.
🔹 Encourage honest conversations about the past—but never let it define who we are today.
🔹 Foster trust and respect by giving them the space and time to grow—without forcing “feelings” conversations.
Your Money will be used to offer those who don't have what they need to simply enjoy our sessions; this could be an all-weather coat, a rucksack, a simple water bottle, or day-to-day clothing that so many take for granted.
We also visit local recycling centres looking for bikes, projects to work on, fishing and sporting equipment, furniture we can bring back to life; the experience end to end brings so many basic and valuable life lessons to the table, some of which will stick and will last for life; it's about the foundations.
All money will be well spent; you will make changes, the ripples will last a lifetime for those in need, today, right now.
In the future, I want a venue for Recon Devon, a place that shouts, space, a place where the young people will thrive, be fully involved from concept to its running. This is the Dream; it will happen. And I will be back here telling more, asking for your help.
Thank you for your time; it's a lot to read, maybe to take in. What we do works, but every little helps, and your help will be greatly appreciated.
James
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 26th November 2026 at 10:44am