This was a transformative event for my client. She felt accepted, validated and valued. She became able to speak freely about her experiences and her traumas. She made good connections, which has been difficult for her in the past. She loved the setting and the activities; she even grew to value the most difficult part (for her) of speaking in front of the group.
"This was a transformative event for my client"
Beks is a participant who attended a Mind Over Mountains mental wellbeing weekend retreat event, having been referred by her support worker. The event included 2 nights residential, 2 days hiking in a UK national park; led by the Mind Over Mountains team of professional coaches and counsellors, and qualified outdoor guides. Beks was a recipient of one of our full bursaries to fund her retreat, provided by our partners the Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust.
Feedback from her support worker at Devon Mind:
My client is someone who has a deep connection to, and love of, nature; she jumped at the chance of attending a retreat with Mind Over Mountains, and I felt this was a great opportunity for her to continue the great work we’ve already done together.
Following the retreat, my client was visibly invigorated. For the first time since I have known her, she said that she felt really good. Despite initially finding circle time incredibly intense, she sat with it, and as the weekend went on she found it much easier, and very valuable.
She thoroughly enjoyed the walks and felt relaxed and happy on them. She found the environment and the guidance all fascinating and was able to reconnect with her passion for the outdoors.
This was a transformative event for my client. She felt accepted, validated and valued. She became able to speak freely about her experiences and her traumas. She made good connections, which has been difficult for her in the past. She loved the setting and the activities; she even grew to value the most difficult part (for her) of speaking in front of the group.
Feedback from Beks:
I found the circle time sessions quite intense, but the supporting staff and volunteers were great at spotting when I needed help, or just a chat. The group as a whole were so positive, and there was no judgement, which was really important to me.
Everyone had such different backgrounds, with different experiences and varying levels of support and knowledge, but it worked well and there were plenty of opportunities for everyone to feel safe, included and supported.
Mind Over Mountains would like to thank Beks and her support worker for sharing this valuable feedback with us.
