“I attended a Go Beyond break twice, once aged 13 and again aged 14,because I was a young carer for my mother who suffered with M.E. My mum could hardly walk and every day was a challenge as she had many severe symptoms.
As a child carer I had lots of daily duties including cleaning laundry; helping with the shopping; helping my mum to walk around the house; lifting my mum from the bath; reminding my mum to take medication and being there for emotional support.
I remember the day when I was invited to attend a Go Beyond break in Devon. Initially, I didn’t know what to think as I had not been on many holidays, but as soon as I knew that there were lots of fun, outdoor activities across the week, I felt more excited and knew this opportunity was invaluable.
One of my fondest memories I have is of all of us dressing up for Halloween, looking really scary in our handmade costumes before going on the rides at Crealy Adventure Park. It was so much fun with the new friends I made on break – in fact, we’re still friends today!
Coming on two Go Beyond respite breaks has made a huge difference to my life because as a child I was able to develop vital social skills, cognitive skills, physical skills and the ability to learn new things in a safe, happy environment surrounded by inspiring adults. My self-confidence also developed and meant that once I was back home I had the confidence to join a netball team outside school.
The impact that Go Beyond has had on me as an adult is invaluable. Go Beyond gave me so much confidence within my career choice and socially. I have done many amazing things thanks to the confidence and self-belief that Go Beyond gave me; I jumped out of a plane for charity; I’ve been a youth worker working with teenagers and at present I work at Ty Hafan, Children’s Hospice for Wales, which is so rewarding.
There seems to be a link here and I feel that Go Beyond has led me to Ty Hafan in some special way. As an adult, I still volunteer with Go Beyond because I want to give back to others what Go Beyond gave me – positive, life-changing memories that will live on forever in my heart. I also believe that without Go Beyond my mental health wouldn’t have been so strong, because Go Beyond gave me laughter and so much fun, I sometimes think that if I never had those opportunities I wouldn’t be where I am today.
To anyone going on a Go Beyond break I would say: expect to have fun, to be happy and to make lots of wonderful memories with new lifelong friends.”
*Names and photos have been changed to protect identities
