Photo - Caspar Walsh
Photo - Ali Chapman
Photo - Caspar Walsh
There is always a real sense of excitement and joy with the first residential of the year, as the staff team drifted in on the Thursday our energy was definitely spring. A sense of gentle energy rising – matching all the beautiful new growth emerging after winter at Heathercombe and on the open moor.
Dartmoor certainly reminded us that spring is a time of change and to expect anything in terms of the weather; we had gales, rain, rainbows and gentle nourishing sun on our last day together.
We were trialling working with a smaller staff team, keen to see if we would encounter the same positive experience that we did in Ireland. Altogether the staff number was seven, the benefit of having a really tight and efficient kitchen team allowed the facilitation team to focus on the delivery. The positive impact of staff training events last year and having experienced volunteers to support facilitation was palpable. I felt such pride observing everyone stepping up and into their roles – joyous.
Reflecting on the weather, there were so many hilarious moments battling with the wind and rain – me trying to do a nature connection breathing exercise with the wind howling so strong no one could hear was just one of many. Our wonderful participants embraced it all and really enjoyed the wild, raw power of Dartmoor weather, Caspar beautifully bringing the elements in to the storytelling making it personal and alive.
Staff and participants alike shone brightly, the new smaller team worked beautifully and efficiently giving us our answer – it works! With staff training events planned for the coming year and more residentials to come there are many opportunities to learn, grow and get involved.
~ Ali
Photo - Ali Chapman
Photo - Ali Chapman
I first started my recovery journey with Rite to Freedom in 2018, when I went on the residential as a participant, and what a journey this has turned out to be.
Being part of Rite to Freedom has opened my mind, body and soul to a whole new meaning. I have learnt so much about myself and continue to learn with every adventure I take part in.
I have been fortunate enough to have staffed three residentials, this for me is part of my recovery. I call this a top up, being able to be part of and share the experience of our new tribe on their residentials, witnessing the participants experience is truly amazing.
It is hard to pick just one highlight from this last residential so I have a few I am going to share. First the crazy weather - you just can’t predict the weather on Dartmoor. As we walked up to ground ourselves with the Moors and our beautiful surroundings the wind and rain was wild, Ali trying to talk us through a breathing technique and not being able to talk due to the wind and rain no one could hear what Ali was trying to say and we all just ended up laughing and walking back down. The walk we did across the Moors chatting to the participants and seeing the rainbow. The last day just blows me away every time - such a powerful experience talking with only your eyes. Just wow.
The staffing team was great from start to finish, being a part of a smaller staffing team really worked, I felt held and so relaxed. The team really did pull together.
So much love and gratitude.
~ Jo I
Photo - Caspar Walsh