Over The Wall (charity)

Over The Wall (charity)
Name	Over The Wall
Formation	1999
Type	Charity
Purpose	Residential camps for children with serious illnesses
Headquarters	Bristol
Region served	United Kingdom

Over The Wall (charity) is a UK-based charitable organization that provides residential camps for children and young people living with serious health conditions. Founded in 1999, the charity offers week-long specialist residential sessions designed to build confidence, independence, and social skills through adaptive activities and peer support. Its programming draws on models from pediatric psychosocial care and is informed by partnerships with clinical, academic, and voluntary sector institutions.

History

The organization originated from initiatives in pediatric psychosocial support that emerged alongside developments in pediatric oncology and child health services in the late 20th century, influenced by programs such as those associated with Paul Newman's philanthropic ventures and international models from Camp Kesem and Camp Sunshine (Maine). Early collaborations involved clinicians from Great Ormond Street Hospital and child life specialists connected to University College London and Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Over time the charity expanded from a pilot project to a national provider, adapting practices from World Health Organization guidance, research from Institute of Child Health (London), and evaluation frameworks used by National Health Service (England), NHS Scotland, and NHS Wales partners. Leadership changes included trustees and executives with backgrounds linked to British Red Cross, Save the Children, and Barnardo's, reflecting a wider movement among UK charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, and Children's Hospices Across Scotland to prioritize psychosocial interventions.

Mission and Programs

The charity's mission centers on improving psychosocial wellbeing for children facing serious illnesses, aligning with practice described in literature from Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and recommendations by SickKids (Hospital for Sick Children). Programs include themed residential camps, sibling sessions, family activities, and transition workshops for adolescents preparing for adult services. Camp activities incorporate elements from adapted outdoor education traditions linked to Outward Bound, arts-based interventions inspired by programs at Tate Modern, Royal Shakespeare Company, and music therapy approaches associated with Royal College of Music. Clinical oversight involves liaison with pediatric oncology teams at Royal Marsden Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital, and community nursing services coordinated with Macmillan Nurses. Psychosocial models draw on research from Oxford University, Cambridge University, King's College London, and University of Glasgow.

Camp Locations and Facilities

Residential sessions have been hosted in multiple venues across the UK, including countryside sites near Exmoor National Park, coastal locations by the Cornwall coast, and facilities in the Lake District. Camps use adapted activity centers reminiscent of those run by YHA (England & Wales), outdoor learning bases similar to Canoe England centers, and bespoke facilities with accessible accommodation influenced by standards from Disability Rights UK and building guidance associated with Royal Institute of British Architects. Activity programs include low-rope courses, watersports modelled on practices promoted by British Rowing, arts workshops echoing community projects at Tate Britain, and therapeutic play spaces informed by Play England and children’s palliative care advice from Together for Short Lives.

Funding and Governance

Funding streams have included individual donations, grants from charitable foundations such as Wellcome Trust, National Lottery Community Fund, and corporate partnerships similar to those formed by Tesco and Sainsbury's. Governance is overseen by a board of trustees with experience drawn from organizations like Charity Commission for England and Wales, Institute of Fundraising, and former executives from BUPA and NHS Foundation Trusts. Financial reporting follows standards advocated by Accounting Standards Board (UK), with audits by firms connected to Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Fundraising campaigns have involved celebrity ambassadors and public fundraising models seen with BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief.

Impact and Evaluation

Impact assessment has used mixed-methods evaluation combining qualitative testimony with quantitative measures drawn from pediatric psychosocial research at University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and University College London. Outcomes reported include improved self-esteem, social connectedness, and coping skills, paralleling findings from studies conducted at Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and comparative evaluations like those for Forest School interventions. External evaluations have been commissioned similar to reviews by Nesta and academic partners including University of Bristol and Cardiff University. The charity contributes data to sector-wide discussions alongside organizations such as National Children's Bureau and Action for Children.

Partnerships and Recognition

The charity maintains partnerships with clinical institutions including Great Ormond Street Hospital, Royal Marsden Hospital, and regional pediatric units across NHS England and NHS Scotland. It collaborates with voluntary sector networks like Voluntary Organisations Disability Group and umbrella bodies such as Children England. Recognition has come in the form of awards and commendations akin to honors presented by The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, fundraising accolades from Charity Times, and feature coverage in media outlets resembling reporting by BBC News, The Guardian, and The Times. International links mirror exchanges with groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters and camp networks represented by Association of Children's Welfare Agencies.

Category:Children's charities based in the United Kingdom