The first day of the school summer holidays also saw our first residential of the summer. One of the Helping Hands groups chose to stay at the Kingsway Centre in Middleton in Teesdale. Whilst there they enjoyed; a walk to High Force, seeing an art installation at Low Force, baking biscuits and scones, making homemade pizzas, campfire and smores and the second day saw us visit and have a picnic at the Castle in Barnard Castle. Residentials provide young people and staff an excellent and valuable opportunity to get to know each other better and the following quotes from young people speak for themselves.
" Very relaxing and nice and peaceful to get away from my home environment"
"Being away together helped us to become closer and learn about each other"
" I liked the togetherness of sharing a room with the others and enjoying the beautiful views"
"It's the furthest I've been away from home, I don't get the opportunity to get out a lot at home"
"I feel like I have connected with the others because we had more time, because of this I feel more comfortable with the group"
"I enjoyed sleeping in a church and exploring the idea of the supernatural. I loved that I was able to get to know the others more"
"I liked relaxing by the river because it is something I don't get to do at home, it also gave me good photo opportunities"
"It was helpful as it allowed me to build my trust in the other group members and staff"
