We were pleased to help fund a trip to Boulder Adventures in Wales for some of the young homeless people at the Powerhouse Foyer.
Youth foyers provide young homeless people with a safe place to live in return for their taking on training, volunteering, study or some kind of vocational course. The support provided encourages active engagement, and those staying there will only get out what they put in.
A group of residents at Powerhouse Foyer get to go on a yearly Boulder Adventures trip at the Bryn Du Mountain Centre in Snowdonia. The centre offers groups of people the chance take on outdoor activities in the picturesque surroundings. The group were challenged by thrilling sessions of swimming, kayaking, rock climbing, abseiling and gorge scrambling.
This acts as a chance to take a much-needed break from study or work, socialise with others, and develop new skills. “I could not swim before: I learnt how to swim and I made a lot of new friends,” said one young man after the trip.
Many of the young people had never had the chance to do something like this, and would never be able to afford it on their own. One commented: “I am very appreciative of the opportunity, as it gave me a good rest away from college and my troubles.” Another added: “it was wonderful, it broke the monotony and was good for my frame of mind.”
Some activities were very challenging and helped them overcome their own fears, or push their expectations of themselves, as one resident said: “I did gorge-scrambling for the first time and I never thought I could do it. This has given me lots more confidence.”
Fear of heights can definitely be a problem when bouldering or abseiling, and the residents and support staff had to work closely together to remain safe. This not only helped the young adults to gain confidence, but to work with others: “I was able to overcome my fears. It also brought the residents and staff closer and I learnt more about people. It brought me general happiness, which is a good thing.”
Your support funds trips that inspire confidence, self-esteem, and happiness in young homeless adults, so that they can rebuild their lives.
