Gateshead Young Women's Outreach Project, 2 activity residentials
"It was fantastic to see people push themselves to do something that they are initially scared to do" Julie Scott, Team Leader
"The trainers were very appropriate and understood the young women, very supportive and encouraging. Excellent to have a women as 'lead trainer', excellent role model!" Jo Vary, GHYW Manager
"I felt challenged but encouraged and supported during each task."
"The raftbuilding was fun and educational. I really enjoyed it."
"I can work better in a team now and have a bit more trust in people."
"I've had a really good day!"
.
D2 Youth Zone, 6 day personal development & outdoor activity program
Team Leader Evaluation (Judith Gray from D2):
The activities selected for this course were ideal for what we were hoping to achieve. In essence the whole point of the course was to address the young people’s ability to work as part of a team, to increase their confidence – not only in themselves but in each other, and to challenge their own fears and limitations. These areas was tackled head on by the course content as well as many others – the course and activities exceeded the original objectives through a combination of eagerness on the young people’s behalf but also by great facilitating by Linda and Tony.
The standard of safety during the activities was impeccable. Tony and Linda managed to generate a collective feeling of security amongst the women through their attention to detail combined with a relaxed attitude – a very hard mix to find but perfect for this type of course as the young people trusted them to ensure their safety was implicit.
The equipment provided for each activity was top notch which further allowed the young people to try the activities safe in the knowledge they were in safe hands and safe equipment! Compared with our old banger that just about does the job the minibus provided by Becks was the height of luxury! The Journey to and from venues were not dreaded in fact they were quite enjoyable!
Linda and Tony were fantastic trainers/facilitators and did there job excellently. They managed to find the balance where the young people not only really liked them and enjoyed spending time with them but they also have a great deal of respect for them. To have Linda as the “lead” worker was quite inspired for this particular audience (mainly young women) as it is very rare they come across positive female role models.
The planning and organisation of the course was fantastic. Becks made it plain from the outset that the course content, duration and direction of course and hours put in were entirely negotiable between themselves and D2 Youth Zone. All decisions were made between D2 and Becks and any suggestions put forward were responded to fantastically.
I think I speak for all involved when saying that the course and the trainers have been fantastic. They have more than lived up to expectations – they exceeded them. I would recommend this course to anyone working with groups of people of all ages who want to improve their ability to work in a team, challenge their fears and increase confidence – or to anyone who just wants to have some fun whilst learning!
.
Kibblesworth Youth Centre, 18th-20th of May 2007, Deneholme in Allendale
"Excellent activities, promoted teamwork. Excellent staff. Friendly, helpful, sense of humour. Would definetly use BECKs Training again! Thanks!" H. West, Leader
"I really enjoyed the Friday night activities. I had to run and hide in tiny places. It was great fun!"
"The gorge walk was brilliant! I thought I would really hate it, but it was really good!"
"The survival afternnon was cush! All about teamwork. I learned a lot! I didn't know you could drink nettle tea!"
"The raft building turned out really weel. I enjoyed it!"
"The weather didn't help at some points, but i really enjoyed it and hope to come again. Thanks, Tony & Linda!"
.
Choppington Youth Centre, 17th-18th of March 2007, Deneholme in Allendale
"The problem solving tasks on day 1 increased the awareness of Teamwork, helping the group to understand the need for teamwork, taking responsibility, listening and communicating with one another." K. Cochrane, Leader
"The canoeing was really scary at first and I kept on going round in circles, however, once I got started I found it easier and I think the team worked well and listed to each other a lot more."
"Excellent, it got my confidence up to stand up to my fears (heights)."
"Lots of fun, we had a team leader in our team, mint activities."
"The difference in the young people between the first activity and the last activity was amazing. They have come on brilliant during this residential."
"The young people had a fantastic time. The young people have also used the time to do some informal learning by “hands on” experience, this helps with future work. BECKs Training has been able to develop the young people’s skills over 2 days which will have a great impact on the future of the youth club."