Set against a backdrop of towering trees, sunshine and luxury lodges at Center Parcs, Woburn Forest, 12 young adults, who all have an experience of meningitis, enjoyed a residential experience that was equal parts adventure, connection and personal growth.
The weekend kicked off with a “Speed Mates” icebreaker with fun, interactive stations designed to support conversations and ease any anxieties about coming along to an excursion with new people.
A first-time B&A event attendee said: “It was good that there were activities straight away for helping people to speak and get to know each other. I was nervous about coming alone and didn’t know what to expect. It was scary, but when I met everyone, it was welcoming.”
Progress looks different for everyone
Saturday kicked off with a high-energy indoor climbing adventure and a thrilling escape room challenge, both designed to stretch comfort zones and build trust.
On the climbing wall some people scrambled straight up, whilst others took things slowly, overcoming one obstacle at a time, nurtured by encouragement from the group. Every suggestion from their peers reminded climbers that progress looks different for everyone, and that is ok.
Escape the Forest had everyone working together using communication and teamwork to solve puzzles and navigate their way through a series of cabins, using personal strengths to achieve a common goal and share the elation of ‘breaking free’.
A shared meal and a social game of bowling saw strangers become friends, sparking laughter, conversation and a bit of friendly competition to round off a fun day. Four young people even decided to stretch themselves and sign up for a fundraising half marathon together!
Grow through what we go through
A group life-coaching session on Sunday morning created space for reflection and time to think about personal and professional aspirations for the future.
Guided by skilled coach, Lou, young adults were invited to consider where they are now and where they want to go, learning how to create a step-by-step plan of action and using powerful questions to unlock skills, strengths and qualities that lie within them to help them on their way..
When asked if there is anything they would do differently one young person said: “How I approach new challenges - writing out what I want to change, why it’s important to me, what I need to do to get there, as the coach taught us.”
More than just a fun weekend away
Perhaps the most important part of any Believe & Achieve event is the power of shared experiences, and the comfort found in sharing and listening to each other’s personal stories. It was clear that being heard, and hearing others, in a safe space with no expectation or judgement, was just as transformative as climbing a rock face or solving a puzzle.
One attendee said: “I met nice people. It was such a good experience and nice to have a break where you’re understood without explanation. I am proud of and will remember the open conversations and people being comfortable to share.”
Creating hope for the future
For some this was the first time staying away from home. Attending the weekend created a real shift in the way they view life. One 19-year-old, who had meningitis as a baby and lives with after-effects shared: “I always thought that living independently would be a big no for me. After coming on this weekend, and for the first time ever, I am thinking that this could be something in my future.”
The weekend was unanimously well received with 100% of participants hoping to attend another event in future.
If you are or know a young person who has had a direct or indirect experience of meningitis and would like to get involved find out more and register your interest here.
A huge thank you goes out to all the attendees, funders and staff that made the weekend so successful.
