Nick is very nervous around animals (not dogs, etc but wild animals) but wants to participate in trips like the going to the zoo so he can see them. He asks a lot of questions about being safe such as whether the animals can escape. We try to explain and calm him down.

Some of the members were stroking the wallabies and Nick said he didn’t want to as he was scared. We offered him comfort and he said if Abbie stayed near him he would. He then stroked the Wallaby.

This was a big step for Nick as it showed him trying to get over his fear, being brave, being proud of his achievement and trusting in us that he was safe.

Sam has been joining Time Out Group activities since the start of the year. He has grown as an individual and is more comfortable participating with group activities. This year we did an extreme easter egg hunt and he joined in, helped his team, cheered them on when they completed a challenge and then had a chill out with other members.

After the session he came over to one of the staff members and held her hand, to say he had ‘Had a wonderful surprise and enjoyed the day, thank you’. His smile was really big. This is a big growth in Sam’s confidence and ability to express himself and share how he is feeling. He is very limited in what he says so this was a special moment.

Shelley attends sessions at the Time Out Group hub and comes along to local trips.

Despite being scared of heights and having mobility issues, she signed up for the Tall Trees Climbing Adventure. She said she wanted to be brave like the other members! Despite some nerves on the day, Shelley gained the confidence to complete the course, with encouragement and support from the rest of the group.

At the end Shelley felt a huge sense of pride and was beaming. She was proud to overcome her fear of heights and overcoming balance issues. Shelley now signs up for more active Time Out Group Trips!

Dave is a quiet member of the group, using few words and quietly spoken.

While out on a day trip to Blackpool with Time Out Group, Dave was very quiet initially but as the day progressed, started using his words louder and said a few sentences. He had chats with staff and he said his name for the first time. We told his family, who were so pleased that he feels safe with us and loves his time with us.