Twelve young people aged between 11 and 17 attended our latest Believe & Achieve Activity Day at West Midlands Safari Park.
The day began with a range of fun icebreaker games and creative activities to help the young people feel comfortable, get to know one another, and settle into the group.
Activities included a ping-pong ball challenge and a giant dice game which sparked conversations. There were also craft stations where the young peopll could get creative and make their own clay animals.
These activities helped break the ice and encouraged communication, creativity and teamwork. Everyone got along well, creating a positive atmosphere from the very beginning and setting the scene for a fantastic day ahead.
Lorikeets landing! 🦜
One of the first exciting experiences was feeding the colourful lorikeets.
The young people were given nectar to feed the birds, but the lorikeets had other ideas! As they came down to drink the nectar, they began landing on people’s heads, creating plenty of laughter, excitement and some unforgettable moments.
It was certainly an animal encounter to remember!
Giraffes, lions and safari adventures 🦒🦁🦓
The adventures continued with a safari tour, where the group had the opportunity to see a variety of animals up close.
The giraffes were a particular highlight after a few were spotted outside their designated area! The group also saw some lively lions fighting, which certainly added excitement to the safari experience.
Sharing Lunch and Meaningful Conversations 🍴
After a busy morning of exploring, the group sat down to enjoy lunch together. This provided a valuable opportunity for the young people to relax, share their experiences and enjoy each other’s company.
Alongside the laughter and light-hearted conversations, lunchtime also became a space for deeper and more meaningful discussions. The young people openly shared their experiences of meningitis, allowing others to listen, learn and gain a greater understanding of one another. These conversations allowed everyone to feel heard, acknowledged and respected, with space for each person to share as much or as little as they felt comfortable with.
Support, connection and understanding for parents
The impact of the day extended beyond the young people, providing a valuable and meaningful experience for the parents who joined the trip. Parents had the opportunity to connect with others who understand some of the challenges they face, offering and receiving support in a welcoming and understanding environment.
A day to remember ⭐
Days like these are more than just the activities, they are also about building confidence, developing friendships and creating positive memories for B&A.
If you or a young person you know may like to get involved in Believe & Achieve please get in touch by contacting us at believeandachieve@meningitisnow.org.uk
