A group from 5 WAYS recently swapped the city for the countryside on a residential trip to Bewerley Park designed to challenge comfort zones, build confidence, and strengthen recovery together.
Taking place over a few days in Recovery Month, participants got involved in a programme of outdoor activities that tested both nerve and teamwork. From climbing and scrambling to group challenges and trust exercises, the trip encouraged people to step outside their comfort zones while working together.
5 WAYS Volunteer Louise Rutherford said: “I didn’t think I’d be able to do half of these things. But with the encouragement of the group, I surprised myself. It’s given me more confidence for life back home.”
Among the highlights were:
- Weaselling at Brimham Rocks – squeezing through narrow rock passages and clambering over boulders, with plenty of encouragement along the way.
- Woodland adventure – navigating trails and exploring the outdoors as a group.
- Leap of Faith – a high climb followed by a jump that put nerves to the test and gave a real sense of achievement.
- Gorge scrambling – wading, climbing and scrambling through water and rock as a team.
While the activities brought excitement, the real focus of the trip was on trust, connection and finding new ways of working together in recovery.
Residentials like this are part of the wider 5 WAYS approach, giving people the chance to try different experiences, strengthen relationships and build resilience for the challenges ahead.
