My experience as a mentor on the Yes, I Can Residential Weekend

My experience as a mentor on the Yes, I Can Residential Weekend

A blog by Benjamin James

Recently, I was asked by Action Duchenne to be a mentor for the Yes I Can residential
weekend at Calvert Trust in Exmoor. This was a fantastic opportunity for me to meet other
amazing young people with Duchenne and support and encourage them. This was the first
time that I had taken part in activities at a residential weekend in a long time. There was a
strong sense of community and shared understanding, meeting others who just ‘got it’ and
being able to share my experiences over the weekend. Seeing other young people challenge
themselves and build confidence in what is achievable at the residential weekend was so
encouraging. Everyone got something positive and encouraging from this experience,
including myself.

Travelling
I travelled to the residential weekend via train and taxi with my PA. Despite having travelled
many times on the train, I was slightly nervous this time as the journey involved changing at
Exeter. I often find the more connections there are, the more likely things can go
wrong with the support to get you on and off the train. The train journey worked well this
time, and all my connections went smoothly. At least there was no risk of getting stuck in
traffic, and I could even nap on the train! With the help of Action Duchenne, we found an
accessible taxi that took me straight from Barnstaple station to the Calvert Trust. All in all, a
good journey.

I was able to travel via train to the Calvert Trust as they have fully accessible
accommodation, with ceiling track or mobile hoists, shower chairs and profiling beds,
including other equipment you might need. The centre accommodated everyone’s needs,
from the accommodation to the staff. This took away many of the worries that travelling can
bring. This was a great experience!

Trusting others to support me
This was only the second time I had been away with my PA for a weekend, so it was great to
get used to someone else supporting me away from home in an unfamiliar setting. This was
good for my confidence, relying on others I can trust to support me.

Amazing activities

Over the weekend, we had the opportunity to take part in many activities, including abseiling,
zip line, archery, crate stacking and canoeing. Despite some of my initial worries about how
the activities would work out, the staff were fully supportive, and all the activities were
adapted to accommodate everyone. As a mentor, I decided to give all the activities a go to
encourage others and challenge myself.

My favourite activity was going on the zip line (I promise I didn’t scream!) and archery,
mostly because I won the archery competition, not that I am boasting! I enjoy taking part in activities and being outdoors, so this was the place for me.

Everyone should do it!

Despite some initial apprehension, everyone who came on the weekend was willing to give
all the activities a go. It was such a positive experience! It would be safe to say that
everyone was tired after a weekend of activities; I definitely was!

It was so encouraging to go on a residential weekend like this. I would urge anyone to take
part in an opportunity like this.

Find out more

Yes I Can: If you’re 14 – 25 and living with Duchenne, our Yes I Can project offers support with the transition to adulthood. We are running a 3rd programme of our online sessions which are held via zoom every fortnight on Wednesday evenings at 6pm.

Turning Point: If you’re 8 – 14 year old, we have a new project starting and it’s just for you! We are beginning online sessions to help you cope with the transition from primary to secondary school and to meet others living with Duchenne. Our first session is on Wednesday 18th October at 6pm.

Action Duchenne would like to thank the following sponsors who have provided financial support for this project but have no involvement in this project: HM Government (in partnership with the National Lottery Community Fund), Pfizer, PTC Therapeutics, Roche, GWF, Sarepta Therapeutics and all the individuals who made their contributions to make this project happen.