“We had such cool experiences. I want to be a film director one day.”
Fun was the order of the day for a group of 11-17 year olds as we set off on a magical adventure to Warner Bros - The Making of Harry Potter - and it was nothing short of enchanting!
From the moment our young people pushed open the iconic doors to the Great Hall of Hogwarts this was more than a studio tour, it was a day where imagination took flight, firm friendships were formed and dreams of the future were ignited.
Breaking the ice with ‘speed mates’
The day kicked off with a carousel of mini creative icebreakers designed to get everyone chatting, creating and laughing. We welcomed seven first-time event goers. Any nerves melted away as the group bonded over common interests and stories. Seasoned Believe & Achievers showed new people the ropes.
One young person reflected; “It was nice meeting other people like me. Everyone was so friendly.”
Cupcake magic and teamwork
Ella, our brand new Support Services Officer, delivered an inclusive masterclass in piping and cupcake decorating skills. In a flurry of edible stars and icing, young people unleashed their creative side and supported each other to make their own edible masterpieces that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the iconic bake off tent!
Ella said “I really enjoyed my first B&A event! I loved seeing our young people enjoying the session as much as I did. They created some beautiful cupcakes and are very talented! I feel lucky to be in this role supporting others with their shared experiences, especially as I have had meningitis and been part of the B&A programme myself in the past. I am super excited for the next B&A event, and can’t wait to meet more of our amazing young people soon!”
Wand skills and spellbinding surprises
Magic seemed to be around every corner as the group joined in with an interactive wand skills performance. With signature B&A laughter and enthusiasm, the young people put their own unique spin on the magical choreography and duelling techniques. It was hard to imagine that half the group were strangers to each other prior to the start of the day.
Lights, Camera, Inspiration
Believe & Achievers got a taste of movie-making magic, travelling through real-life film sets, learning about special effects, props, costumes, 3D modelling and development of concept art.
Jack who has been to several events beamed; “We had such cool experiences. I want to be a film director one day.”
Hannah, who has vision loss after contracting meningitis as a child, enjoyed an audio described tour and tactile trail provided by Warner Bros Studios interactor team.
Our interactor was amazed by the breadth of Hannah’s Harry Potter knowledge.
Hannah reported the worst thing about the day was leaving! She excitedly shared; “I want to work here when I am older.”
Facing Dragons and flying brooms
One of the most thrilling moments came in the green screen experience when our group found themselves flying on broomsticks over Hogwarts and then later surviving coming face to face with a life-sized fire breathing dragon!
Those who love to immerse themselves in completing a challenge, got the opportunity to showcase their dedication, teamwork, observation and communication skills by racing to fill a passport with stamps from stamp stations at every section of the tour.
As ever, we strive to make sure there is something on offer for everyone to get involved in at their own pace and in their own way.
Programme Coordinator, Mikala Gatley, reflected about the highlight of the day; “Above all else it was just brilliant to watch young people just be free to be young people, having fun and making friends, not defined by their experience of meningitis, but in a space where they understand and support each other without judgement.”
A day to remember
Whether inspired for the future, thrilled to have eased themselves out of their comfort zones, or just have added some new friends to their contact lists, with a new-found sense of belonging, everyone left feeling the magical effect of a B&A Day.
Meningitis Now Youth Ambassador, Harmonie-Rose, excitedly attended her first event with Believe & Achieve after recently turning 11.
“This day couldn’t have been better, it was so fun and I can’t wait for the next one!”
Special thanks must go to: our amazing staff team, Warner Bros Studios (particularly our audio described interactor guide, Liv) and our Believe & Achieve parents and carers who travelled from all over the country to bring the young people together.
Our next Connect and Create day for 18-25 year olds in Partnership with Fuse CiC will be held at Midland’s Arts Centre on July 20th 2025. Registrations close on 18th June. Sign up here.
Find out more about our online and in person event programme for 11-17s and 18-25s, and how a young person could access our support offer within Believe & Achieve.
Register your interest here and Mikala will be in touch.
