PROJECT: YOUTH RECONNECT (Summer Activity)
VENUE: BELFAST ACTIVITY CENTRE, BELFAST
DATE: August 2022
FUNDED BY: BELFAST CITY COUNCIL AND BBC CHILDREN IN NEED
PARTICIPANTS: 40 YOUNG PEOPLE
Overview
Following the Covid pandemic, a significant number of young people withdrew from social activities and became reclusive.
One of the activities intended to engage the young people as a team and help them reestablish their connection and resume working together was the trip to the Belfast Activity Center, located in the Stableyard, Barnett Demesne, in the Malone neighborhood of Belfast.
On July 27, 2022, BAC was visited. Forty teenagers, ages 13 and up, participated in the one-day excursion. Visitors to BAC’s facilities typically select which of the various physical and team-building exercises they want to partake in.
Our youth engaged in abseiling, climbing, caving, and high-aboard activities. For everyone in attendance, they were all thrilling events.
A number of the young individuals participated in numerous activities for the first time and were taken aback by their abilities and accomplishments that day.
THE PROJECT’S IMPACT
Cohesion and unity
One benefit of the adolescents’ involvement in activities and the day trip to the Belfast Activity Center is the chance to collaborate in harmony and synergy. The young people collaborated as a team and showed a strong sense of solidarity when participating in team-building exercises, which was especially encouraging considering that they had not been fully involved since Covid.
Improved mental wellbeing
The youth’s mental health was enhanced by the physical activities. The Covid period did not aid the youth in any way, but once more, having a secure area to explore helped them to decompress a little from the stress of spending so much time indoors.
Additionally, since most had lain inactive from lack of activity, it strengthened their bones and muscles, helped them maintain their weight, and helped them develop their agility. The workouts also aid in improving their body’s balance and coordination. It is impossible to overstate the advantages exercise provides for your health.
In addition to the health benefits of physical activity, the young people took advantage of the chance to spend time together to strengthen their bonds. It is common for a group to become closer when working as a team, and these young individuals demonstrated this well.
Confidence
Those who attempted certain tasks for the first time and succeeded admirably were overjoyed and realized that they could accomplish everything they set their minds to.
All of these contribute to their overall success by boosting their self-esteem and inventiveness.
