Six Restart Scheme participants recently travelled to North Devon for a three-day residential at Skern Adventure, where they were given the chance to try new things, push themselves outside their comfort zones and build skills for the future.
It was a busy three days, with participants getting involved in activities including archery, high ropes, an obstacle course and a speedboat experience, as well as plenty more along the way.
For some participants, the activities were a real challenge. Being up on the high ropes or tackling an obstacle course meant facing things that might normally have been outside their comfort zone. Working through those challenges together helped participants support each other and build confidence as the residential went on.
Learning through experience
The residential wasn’t just about the activities. A big part of the three days focused on developing skills that participants can take with them into the workplace.
There were sessions around communication, giving and receiving feedback, and understanding how to work effectively as part of a team. Participants were able to put these skills into practice throughout the residential, seeing first-hand how communication can make a difference when working with other people.
The combination of practical activities and employability sessions made the experience particularly valuable. Participants were encouraged to reflect on how they responded to different situations, what they had learned about themselves and how they could use those lessons in the future.
One participant described the experience as:
“It really was deeply challenging yet rewarding, empowering and life affirming. I faced fears, made bonds and learned skills.”
A boost in confidence
The impact of the residential was clear in the feedback from participants.
One participant said:
“I discovered I am stronger and more capable than I thought. I learned how to be flexible, keep trying even when something feels hard, and how to work well with other people. I now feel ready to face new challenges, and I will carry all these good lessons with me into my future life and work.”
For the team supporting the participants, seeing this change over the three days was incredibly rewarding. Activities that may have initially felt daunting became opportunities for participants to test themselves and realise what they could achieve.
The experience also gave participants the chance to get to know each other in a different setting. Away from their usual routines, they worked together, encouraged one another and built new connections.
Taking the experience forward
Confidence can make a huge difference when someone is preparing for work. The residential gave participants the opportunity to practise skills that will be useful when working with colleagues, communicating with employers and dealing with situations that don’t always go to plan.
Most importantly, participants left with a better understanding of what they are capable of. The lessons from the three days at Skern Adventure can now be taken forward as they continue their Restart journey and work towards their future goals.
It was a hugely rewarding experience, and we are proud of everyone who took part and gave the activities their best shot.
A big thank you to the team at Skern Adventure for helping to make the residential such a positive experience for our participants.
