PGL Beyond and Beyond Bendrigg have announced the launch of a new eLearning programme, Beyond Boundaries in the Outdoors, designed to help organisations, educators, and activity providers create more inclusive outdoor experiences for disabled people.
This innovative training brings together over a century of combined expertise in outdoor education and accessible adventure. PGL Beyond – a Certified B Corporation™ and sector leader, delivering transformational learning beyond the classroom for nearly 70 years to more than half a million young people through PGL, NST, Esto, and Studylink – has partnered with Bendrigg, a specialist centre with nearly 50 years’ experience working with disabled children and adults, to address long-standing barriers to participation in outdoor activities.
The new eLearning course focuses on building confidence, knowledge, and practical skills for those working or volunteering in outdoor education, leisure, and tourism. It aims to equip learners with the tools to provide high-quality, inclusive experiences for individuals with a wide range of needs, including neurodivergence and physical, learning, and sensory disability.
At the heart of the partnership is a shared commitment to inclusivity and the belief that outdoor adventure should be accessible to everyone. While Bendrigg has long specialised in creating transformative experiences for individuals with complex needs, its ‘Beyond Bendrigg’ programme extends that expertise through training and consultancy; supporting organisations across the sector to improve accessibility.
By bringing together PGL Beyond and Bendrigg’s specialist knowledge and mutual passion for inclusivity, the eLearning programme aims to create sector-wide impact – helping more providers deliver experiences that build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging for all participants.
Leaders from both organisations expressed pride in the collaboration and optimism about its potential impact, highlighting a shared, purpose-led goal: to create a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from the outdoors.
Anthony Jones, CEO, PGL Beyond said, “We’re driven by a purpose to unlock potential in young people and believe that regular access to outdoor education should be a given, rather than a privilege. We’re proud to be collaborating with Beyond Bendrigg, as by working together with other changemakers, we can ensure that we extend the life-changing benefits of outdoor experiences to as many people as possible, regardless of circumstances, abilities, or learning needs.”
The course will be made available to over 3,000 PGL Beyond staff, giving them the knowledge and confidence to support more people with a wide range of needs, including neurodivergence and physical, learning, and sensory disability, to experience the power of outdoor adventure.
Nick Liley, Centre Director, Bendrigg said, “Our goal is simple: adventure should be available to everybody. This training is about giving people the knowledge and confidence to create inclusive experiences and help ensure the outdoors is a place where everyone belongs.”
From the end of August, the eLearning will be available to organisations and individuals to purchase from Bendrigg, allowing everyone to take the course and play a role in shaping a more inclusive future for outdoor adventure. All income raised through the course will go directly back into the charity to help them fund their work.
And to celebrate the launch of this flagship eLearning, Beyond Bendrigg is able to make this course available free of charge to organisations in Cumbria, thanks to a grant provided by the Francis Scott Trust, giving back to communities local to Bendrigg and empowering organisations who support young people with the training they need to make their experiences accessible.
About PGL Beyond
PGL Beyond – a proud B Corp™ – spans a network of brands including PGL, NST, Esto, and StudyLink Tours – dedicated to unlocking potential in young people, to shape brighter futures.
About Beyond Bendrigg
Beyond Bendrigg is the training and consultancy programme of Bendrigg – a specialist outdoor centre dedicated to accessible adventure. For nearly 50 years, Bendrigg has supported disabled people to overcome barriers, build confidence, and experience the transformative power of the outdoors.
For details of how to access the course see Beyond Boundaries in the Outdoors – Bendrigg Trust.
