Hi I’m Ben, Write to Freedom’s Operations Manager.
That means I have a hand in most aspects of the organisation. My main role is to think about systems, workflows and relationships, to ensure the smooth running of our programs and our staff team. I have the pleasure of co-leading on our residentials, as I’m also an Integrative Counsellor.
My story with Write to Freedom began in January 2014, on a blustery High Heathercombe. The charity was training up a cohort of mentors to work alongside disadvantaged teenagers, in and out of prison. For two years I then volunteered on a range of programs, working with youth offenders, reuniting imprisoned fathers with their children, and piloting addiction recovery residentials. For me it was a time of passion and discovery for the healing and transformative benefits of combining wild nature and inner exploration. I was always left hungry for more.
By the end of 2016, I became the charity’s administrator at a time when we made the decision to solely focus our efforts on improving the lives of adults in addiction recovery. 2017 was a year of rapid growth. We delivered many residentials, integrated a new leadership methodology, and sowed the seeds of the thriving recovery community that we have today.
As the years and number of retreats are stacking up, my role within the organisation has shaped and moulded to fit my skills. We seem to be growing together!
“Write to Freedom has the ability to encourage and nurture people’s passions and talents, which then ripples out into the community. It’s great to be a part of. At it’s core, I see that the community is about nurturing healthy, grounded relationships. Not only with others, but with ourselves.”
The culture we continue to create is one where any experience can be seen as an opportunity for growth and reflection. All it takes is time, patience and a healthy dose of tenacity!
If I were talking to somebody who might be thinking about attending something Write to Freedom has to offer, I’d say how regardless of age or life experience, we are all like little plants, requiring just the right amount of soil, light and nutrients to flourish and flower.
Write to Freedom gives each person the time, opportunity and language to look at those conditions and figure out what works and what doesn’t. Maybe I need less watering, maybe I need more light. I might also need a prune here and there!
I am always happy to talk with anyone who is considering signing up for a residential, so do get in touch.
Thanks for reading!
Ben
