Vibe Outdoors offers a unique outdoor experience which provides visitors with a chance to push boundaries, grow confidence and discover capabilities in a safe and affirming environment.
Established over 40 years ago and formerly known as Knowsley Outdoor Education Centre (KOEC), we offer a wide range of land and water based activities at our various locations across the North West.
Our instructed outdoor experiences are tailored to suit a range of abilities and needs to challenge individuals and are designed to encourage personal, social and emotional development skills (PSED).
We are a recognised training centre with British Canoeing and hold licences with the Adventurous Activity Licensing Authority (AALA), Adventuremark and Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOTC).
Contact us for more information about our provision and bookings:
Andrew.raywood@vibeuk.org / outdoor@vibeuk.org
07825012072
Activities
Water Based
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The most relaxing way to get out and paddle! We offer taster sessions to get groups out on the water and engaged, where they will learn basic skills and have fun along the way! We also deliver a range of British Canoeing courses and awards for participants of any age and experience.
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A paddlesport session which allows participants to explore the water and natural surroundings while developing their paddling skills. We also offer a range of British Canoeing courses and awards for participants of any age and experience.
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Test your planning and design skills, working together as a team to build a raft which will not only float, but will keep you out of the water!
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This activity combines gorge scrambling and gorge walking in amazing environments across North Wales. You will be climbing, swimming and traversing flowing and pools of water.
Land Based
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From beginner to pro, summon your inner Olympian and go for gold!
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Climb without ropes or harnesses, testing your strength, skill, and balance
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Do you have what it takes to survive in the great outdoors? Why not try some firepit cookery or test your skills with creative activities.
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Whether indoor or outside we have lots of climbing opportunities for the beginner through to advanced climbers.
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Enjoy the views and learn about the wildlife and plants, from a relaxing stroll along a canal to a challenging mountain walk
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Fun mental and physical challenges that will test your logic, creativity, and communication skills
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Test your navigation skills and find your way around the course – will you find them all?
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This three day course is developed to enable people of all ages to develop positive relationships, enhance their resilience, and utilise positive reflection techniques.
Day 1: Interpersonal, motivation, team work, problem solving, communication, strategic thinking, cooperation and compromise skills training all structured around practical delivery exercises.
Day 2: Creative thinking, adaptability, dealing with stress and responsibility, coordination and assertive skills training all structured around practical delivery exercises.
Day 3: Confidence, listening, resilience and reflection skills concluded with making a commitment beyond the programme all encompassed through the ‘final challenge’ aspect of this element.
Wellbeing
We offer specialised programmes to help support mental health and wellbeing. The details of each programme we offer are bespoke as each group is different, with different needs and interests. We aim to work with the natural environment rather than sticking to a rigid schedule no matter what the weather.
Awards
Awards
Lord Derby Award
Exclusive to Vibe Customers, this prestigious award, supported by The Right Honourable Earl of Derby DL, is designed to improve young people’s practical abilities, enabling them to gain new skills, and push personal boundaries.
The flexible Award can be completed independently or through visits to Vibe Outdoors for half/full day sessions or residential packages. Each is made up of four sections: Physical, Skills, Community and Adventurous Activities, across four progressive levels: Purple, Pink Blue and Yellow.
What does it cost?
There are a variety of options available to groups and individuals for completing the award, with prices from £20pp.
There is something for everyone to get involved in and enjoy!
All prices include Enrolment fee, Award Booklet, a LDA Certificate and Badge upon completion
Who is it for?
This award is ideal for schools, colleges, groups or individuals of any age who want to gain new skills and embrace personal challenges.
Duke of Edinburgh – Approved Activity Provider (AAP)
As a delivery partner of the world’s leading young person’s achievement award for over 30 years. We can provide direct support to Licensed Organisations by facilitating the Expedition Section across all three levels of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Gold, Silver and Bronze)
Our fully trained instructors are all qualified youth workers who create a welcoming and safe environment for the young people to learn and develop their skills, making the expedition an enjoyable experience.
What does it cost?
Bronze Option 1
£140 on foot, £240 afloat
Bronze Option 2
£260 on foot, £360 afloat
Silver
£340 on foot, £440 afloat
Gold
£440 on foot, £540 afloat
Expedition prices for each level of the award include:
- Pre expedition advice, resources, and training
- Practical advice for leaders and participants
- Route planning and risk assessments
- Campsite fees and bookings for participants and staff
- Accredited assessor's
- Logistics
- Transport (additional cost applies)
- Expedition kit hire
King’s Trust Achieve Award
An accredited personal development Award that works to support young people to fulfil their potential.
The flexible curriculum provides the opportunity to gain new skills and qualifications through exploring various modules including Skills for School, Personal and Social Development, Life Skills, Enterprise, Citizenship and Preparation for Work.
Award units available:
- Teamwork skills
- Wellbeing, Physical activity
- Nature and Wellbeing
- Confidence Building
- Personal Development
Courses & Qualifications
Courses & Qualifications
On the water
Canoeing and Kayaking
Paddle Start Award
Paddle Discover Award
Paddle Explore Award
Paddle Safer Award
Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Training
Personal Performance Awards
Paddlesport Instructor
2-day entry level instructor qualification. This course is aimed at getting individuals prepared for the instructor course.
Paddlesport Coach
2-day mandatory course for those wishing to progress onto a choice of 18 discipline specific coaching courses.
British Canoeing Paddlesport Leaders assessment
Aimed at paddlers taking on more responsibility and aiming for leadership.
British Canoeing Canoe and Kayak (Sheltered Water) Coach assessment
This is a discipline-specific award that give pathways, skills and coaching behaviours to help individuals progress through coaching.
On the Land
National Indoor Bouldering Award Scheme (NIBAS)
An award designed for individuals aged 7+ to progress in bouldering. It is for absolute beginners at level 1 to more experienced boulderers up to level 5.
National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS)
Designed for individuals aged 7+ who want to get involved with climbing and learn the use of ropes and knots. It is for absolute beginners at level 1 and you can progress up to the advanced climber at level 5.
Professional Development
First Aid at Work (Level 3) - 3 day course
This course is aimed at those who are responsible for more than 100 people. It includes the roles and responsibilities of a First Aider, accident reporting procedures, first aid kits, primary survey, assessing for injuries, and CPR for adults, children, and babies.
Emergency First Aid at Work (Level 2) - 1 day
This course is a practical course targeted at workers who are responsible for less than 100 people. It focuses on the key skills required to preserve life, prevent injuries from worsening, and promoting recovery.
Water-based First Aid - 1 day
Covers the same points as the First Aid at Work qualification but with an additional focus on issues that may occur as a result of being in and around water.
Climbing Wall
🧗♂️ Take Your Event to the Next Level with VIBEUK's Mobile Climbing Wall! 🧗♀️
Looking for a thrilling, hands-on experience that will make your event unforgettable? Our state of the art 7.3-metre (24-foot) mobile climbing wall deliver adventure, excitement, and challenge - right to your doorstep!
Why Choose Our Climbing Wall?
🚛 Fully Mobile & Quick Setup
We bring the climbing wall directly to you and set it up in under 30 minutes - perfect for schools, festivals, parties, team-building days, and community events.
🧱 Modern Design
The wall features 7.3 metres of vertical climbing space with the latest GEN 5 auto belay systems to ensure maximum safety for participants..
👥 Up to 4 Climbers at Once
Keep the action moving! Our walls allow multiple participants to climb simultaneously, minimizing wait times and maximizing fun with routes to suit beginners and confident climbers alike.
🛡️ Safe, Structured & Supervised
Our walls are staffed by a dedicated team of passionate, fully trained (and DBS-checked) instructors. We handle the setup, inspection, and management of the wall with complete professionalism and attention to detail.
🎯 Encouragement-Focused Coaching
Once your guests are harnessed up, we shift gears - our instructors offer friendly coaching, guidance, and encouragement to help every participant reach their personal peak.
✅ Ideal for:
School Activity or reward Days
Corporate Events
Community Festivals
Team building/confidence days for staff and young people.
Private Parties & Celebrations
Youth Groups & Holiday Camps
📅 Availability is limited - secure your date today!
Whether you're aiming for adrenaline or team bonding, our mobile climbing wall is a standout attraction that brings excitement, energy, and accomplishment to any gathering.
Contact andrew.raywood@vibeuk.org for enquires and bookings.
Programmes
Positive Vibes Programme
Positive Vibes is an informal skills and relationships programme designed for young people aged 13+.
A diversionary measure, the programme works to positively engage young people who are at risk of being criminalised or exploited. As a result, young people build learning techniques to make positive life choices beyond the programme.
Underpinned by Vibe UK’s RF4 framework, the Positive Vibes Programme provides a consistent pathway of support to young people through 1:1 mentoring and incorporates group sessions focusing on Consequences of Choice, Event-Mind-Reaction (EMR), positive activities, Total Commitment Training (TCT) and Relationships training.
St Helens - We have funding from the National Lottery Community Fund for three years to provide the programme to young people aged 13-17 from St Helens for up to 32 weeks.
Current opportunities:
Good Choices
Vibe's Good Choices intervention is a crime prevention programme designed to work with young people that have been in trouble with the police, at risk of committing a crime, or they are/have been involved in anti-social behaviour.
Good Choices is delivered in small groups and comprises of a 3 hour session which includes discussions and activities aimed at enabling young people to make effective decisions about choices, understand the importance of relationships and work towards the prevention of Substance Misuse and Anti-Social Behaviour.
Current opportunities:
Halton (Widnes and Runcorn) - Due to funding from Cheshire Police, we are accepting referrals for our Good Choices Programme. This is aimed at young people aged up to 18 from Widnes and Runcorn.
Halton Short Breaks Outdoors
Vibe Outdoors offers an outdoors club for Short Breaks in Halton. This programme consists of monthly sessions involving a range of indoor/outdoor adventurous activities chosen by the young people. Available to those aged between 8-17 years, who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) and live within the Halton Borough.
Transport is included from two designated pick-up locations (in Runcorn and Widnes).
The Junior session is available for young people aged 8-11 and takes place 9.00am-12.00pm.
The Youth Club session is available for young people aged 12-17 and takes place 12.30pm-3.30pm.
To book a place, follow:
Vibe Outdoor Education Club
Vibe Outdoor Education Club (VOEC) provides monthly sessions involving a range of indoor/outdoor adventurous activities. This programme is available to young people aged between 10-18 (up to age 25 with SEND) and takes place from 10.30am-3.30pm. Transport is included from a designated pick-up location (specified each month).
WATCH THIS SPACE… We do not have any VOEC sessions planned in currently. This page will be updated once we have new dates available.
HAF St Helens
WATCH THIS SPACE… We do not have any HAF sessions planned in currently. This page will be updated once we have new dates available.
*The programme is open to St Helens Young People aged 6-16 years who are eligible for and receiving benefits-related free school meals (FSM), and their families. Children who are in receipt of a support plan via Early Help, Child in Need or Children We Look After, EHCP, or if your child receives additional hours at school.
Adventures Away from Home (AAFH)
Vibe Outdoors is proud to present our new outdoor offer as part of the Adventures Away from Home Fund by UK Youth.
This programme allows us to provide access to inclusive outdoor learning experiences for young people who may face barriers to outdoor activities, including but not limited to: Disabilities or Special Educational Needs (SEN), English as an Additional Language, living in poverty, young carer's or looked-after young people, girls and young women, LGBTQI+ young people, young people from minoritised ethnic groups, those with experience of the secure estate and displaced young people or those with poor academic attainment.
What is involved?
Full day session at Vibe Outdoors which includes a tasty lunch for each participant along with a range of exciting and inclusive activities to suit each group. Some examples include Watersports, Bushcraft, Archery, Orienteering, Climbing, Abseiling, Team challenges, Day Walks & more!
Programme aims:
· Increase access to inclusive outdoor learning experiences
· Help young people build social, emotional, and life skills
· Improve wellbeing and confidence through movement and the outdoor
· Strengthen partnerships between outdoor learning providers and local youth organisations
Get in touch if you would like more information about this amazing offer:
outdoor@vibeuk.org
