We have taken a group of young people from Bristol to Weymouth, one of the finest beaches in the UK. The trip was very positive, we have delivered structured activities with young people to enjoy the beach and water. This trip aimed to offer young people a positive and enriching experience during the summer holidays, allowing them to connect with nature, explore new environments, and deepen their emotional bonds with nature.
Mohamed Sayaqle said, “With the current climate of cost of living crisis’, it’s not practical for many families to go on holiday, and this is why we have organised an excursion to the seaside. We wanted to give these young people a chance to have an enjoyable holiday, to create lasting memories, and to experience the joy that comes from being close to nature”
Mohamed Kayse, youth worker and member of the organising team said,” The majority of the youth who participated in this trip come from ethnic minority backgrounds and are among those who are often underrepresented when it comes to exploring nature and venturing beyond their urban environments. At Bristol Somali Youth Voice, we provide different enriching activities and organise trips to farms, forests, green spaces, and beaches to give young people active, healthy and joyful holiday”.
These experiences are vital in helping the young people to enjoy the tranquillity, stillness, and beauty of nature, ultimately improving their emotional and mental well-being.”
Our recent research about the impact of cost-of-living crisis illustrated that many families have been unable to take holidays this year due to financial constraints. So organising more trips and providing responsive services will help young people to cope it’s impact.
Here are verbatim comments from young people and parents reflecting their experience about our recent trip:
One young person who participate the trip said:
It was fantastic to be a part of the trip to Weymouth. The experience was both enjoyable and relaxing, especially during the school holidays when there isn’t much else happening. Getting out of Bristol and exploring new places was refreshing, starting from the moment we hit the road and passed through beautiful green spaces on our way to the beach. Personally, I really enjoyed the different activities, and the structure provided by the Bristol Somali Voice team. It was great to come to the seaside, go into the water and swim with friends, which made the whole experience even more fun.
The trip was relaxing, fun, and gave us a chance to try different activities, socialize, and enjoy the beauty of nature and the sea.
Parent said:
The trip was educational and enjoyable for young people, it gave positive experience for my children, this is important specially during school holiday, when the weather is warm and many young people are stuck at home with not much to do, this trip added a special flavour to their break. The various activities they took part in were both educational and fun, providing a meaningful experience that is not easy to come by, especially for large families like ours who may not be able to afford a holiday every year.
As a parent, it was a relief to see them engaged in something so positive. The trip created wonderful memories for them to talk about and cherish, which is so valuable during the school holidays. Many young people, including my own children, had never seen the countryside or visited places like Weymouth before. so, it was a first-time experience, which made it even more special. The trip was not only fun but also relaxing and educational. We truly appreciate you Bristol Somali youth Voice for organizing such trips. You understand the needs of young people in our area, and this effort not only gives them new experiences but also helps families like ours cope with the cost of living. We hope you continue organizing trips like this in the future. Thank you for everything you do for our community.
Lastly, witnessing the joy and happiness on the faces of the young people during this trip was truly remarkable. Their genuine delight and the memorable experiences they gained make all the hard work worthwhile. We would like to extend our gratitude to the parents and young people for their cooperations and everyone who contributed.
Thank you all.