Innovation Fund: WayMakers provides an update on their range of wellbeing activities
Since working alongside Recovery Devon to jointly fund some projects in Northern Devon, we hear from Alex Kelly at WayMakers to tell us the difference the funding has made to them.
“It’s been absolutely brilliant, as it’s meant we’ve been able to offer activities and outings that go beyond our standard weekly sessions. We have had a paddleboarding session, a forest school day, a pottery painting session, a chance to make one of the Christmas wreaths that hung in Barnstaple’s Pannier Market, and an escape room challenge.
Our teens have often missed out on the fun social activities and trips arranged by schools, so you can imagine what valuable opportunities these are. These trips are often the highlight of our group’s time with us, in spaces where friendships are cemented and much fun is had. So on behalf of the whole WayMakers team, the AFAB Group and their families — thank you from us all!”
Alex has also provided us with some direct feedback from attendees at some of these sessions:
Q: Do you find the activities we organise, whether indoors or out, helpful in reducing your anxiety?
“I find them helpful because they remind me that there will be more positive experiences in the future and give something to focus on. It is also a helpful reminder that I have tackled those challenges so that I can tackle the issue that is making me anxious. They also serve as a good distraction and spending time with other people helps to decrease my anxiety as well.”
“It’s made me more want to try new things.”
“Yes, they help me overcome my anxiety.”
Answer from a parent: “My daughter was able to engage in off-site activities that she didn't think she would be able to, but as this group has improved her confidence her world is getting a bit bigger.”