In this episode of the Leader-Connect Podcast, Neil chats with Polar Explorer and founder of the remarkable The Polar Academy, Craig Mathieson.

Craig has a military background and is an accomplished explorer having skied to the North and South Poles and undertaken some challenging Kayaking on the East Coast of Greenland.  But perhaps his most incredible achievement is that he founded and runs The Polar Academy, which has been described as ‘the toughest youth organisation in Europe’.

Craig prefers to describe it as a mental health charity, but it is one with a very demanding agenda which culminates in a challenging expedition in the wilds of Greenland.  Craig explains the selection and training process to Neil Jurd;  how he and his team are able to identify the young people who will most benefit from the experience.  Often these young people have faced considerable trauma in their lives, but Craig explains how from the very outset – even in the selection phase of the expedition he and his team are helping the young people to develop positive aspirations and overcome adversity.

He also involves and supports their parents and carers as their children go through the expedition process; adults are expected to attend physical training sessions, and the effect on them is often as positive as it is on their children.  What stands out from this discussion is how much Craig cares; The Polar Academy is built on compassion and a strong belief on human potential. Craig also explains how he has to raise over £500,000 every year to fund this work, with one of the costs being passed on to the young people who participate.    For anyone involved in youth work, education, Scouting, Guiding or Cadet Forces this interview is compelling listening.