As a participant of the project, I would like to say that the project was a major turning point in my life and has helped me to take control of my demons and become a trusted member of society.
I was first introduced to the programme by my Connexions worker, Donna after I had had numerous run ins with police, which resulted in me going to court and being sentenced to a 12 month youth offending order.
As part of The TurnAround Project we embarked on a very trying nine day trip to the Isle of Mull, where we spent three days camping in the mountains. It was emotionally and physically hard for all the participants and there were a few arguments, but we all found strengths we didn’t know we had. I feel this experience pushed us to our boundaries and made us realise that life has no limits and that life is what you make it.
We also spent 5 days as crew on The Morning Star tallship in May this year. I think this was a greatexperience that I never would have got to do. The atmosphere on the boat was that of peace and everyone had to pull together to keep us moving.
Being in such confined living quarters helped me to become more tolerant of people and less aggressive.
At the beginning of the project we were given life coaches. My life coach Ali has been such a great help giving me advice and just as someone to talk to. In our sessions we looked at ways to manage anger and set realistic goals to achieve, which I thought was great because it gives you something to work towards.
Over the year we met up every month to do various different activity days which included: Canoeing, rock climbing, high ropes, stone carving and a painting workshop. Throughout the year I’ve had so much fun and have many treasured memories that will stay in my heart forever.
The project has dramatically boosted my confidence and I now feel able to be myself. Where I was once reserved I now feel able to talk to people about my problems which has helped me to give up alcohol that I was using as a defence mechanism to block things out.
On completion of the project we held a graduation in which we received various certificates. This made the whole project seem worthwhile and I personally felt a great sense of accomplishment.
After completing the project The Wilderness Foundation arranged for me to do a week’s work experience at the Brentwood Gazette. I found this to be a brilliant experience as I got to work in a press office. I spent the week writing articles for numerous towns across Essex and was thrilled to see a couple of my articles in the paper the following week.
I would like to thank The Wilderness Foundation for giving me the chance to do things that I otherwise would not have been able to do and for taking their time to help me get back on track. The project has enabled me to have the confidence to face my fears and get on in life leaving the old me well behind.
