The Outdoor Collaborative
Supporting young people through outdoor experiences and creative digital learning in photography and filmmaking.
Explore Projects
Our Mission
We work with young people across Greater Manchester to build confidence, improve mental well-being, and develop practical skills through a combination of outdoor activities and creative digital projects.
What We Do
We support young people aged 11–18 from underrepresented groups — including those from low-income households, ethnic minority communities and care leavers — who often face the biggest barriers to creative industries.
Our sessions run across Greater Manchester, from Oldham and Rochdale to Tameside and central Manchester, in partnership with schools, youth zones and community organisations who know the young people we work with best.
By combining time outdoors with hands-on photography and filmmaking, participants build resilience, confidence and practical, industry-relevant skills — while forming a stronger connection to their local community.
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor challenges that help young people build resilience and confidence.
Photography & Filmmaking
Practical, hands-on skills in photography and filmmaking.
Wellbeing & Nature
Connecting with nature to support mental and physical wellbeing.
Creativity & Achievement
Room to express themselves creatively and build a sense of achievement.
Young Creators Gallery
Photographs and films made by young people during TOC sessions, from local nature projects to weekends away.
Get Involved
Whichever way you'd like to take part, there's a place for you at TOC.
Team
Meet the staff, trustees and facilitators who plan and deliver our sessions.
Meet Our Team →Projects
See how young people and community groups take part in our programmes.
Explore Our Projects →Volunteers
Support sessions directly and progress into a regular volunteer role.
Volunteer With Us →Our Partners
We're grateful to the funders and delivery partners who make our programmes possible.
Where Your Donation Goes
Every donation helps remove the barriers that stop young people from taking part.
Resources and Equipment
Cameras, drones and outdoor-learning kit for hands-on sessions.
Participant Support
Travel, refreshments and accessibility needs that remove barriers to taking part.
Qualified Facilitators
Experienced staff who safely plan and deliver every session.
Transport and Outdoor Activities
Getting participants to outdoor environments and community locations.
Long-Term Opportunities
Consistent programmes that build skills, confidence and leadership over time.
Our Team
The Outdoor Collaborative is run by a small board of trustees, alongside freelance mentors and volunteers.
Adam Ward
Former Army Royal Engineer and EOD specialist turned diving instructor, now focused on outdoor training and design-led business education.
Emma Kenyon
Media graduate and ESL teacher with a passion for culture, education and the link between outdoor activity and wellbeing.
Andrew Fairclough
Events manager turned creative entrepreneur, with expertise in design, marketing and business management.
Drew Fivey
Outdoor education advocate with deep experience in environmental stewardship and experiential learning.
Voices From Our Sessions
Some of the feedback we hear most often from young people and partners.
"Using the professional camera made me feel like a real photographer."
"A fantastic weekend away — excellent tutoring in some fantastic locations."
"They quickly learned how to use cameras and created their own photography."
Get in Touch
Get in touch about joining a project, volunteering, a partnership, a donation, or a general enquiry.
- Email: info@outdoorcollaborative.org
- Based at: 2 Higher Pastures, Saddleworth, Oldham, OL4 4AQ — serving Greater Manchester
- Instagram: @theoutdoorcollaborative