Last month, our amazing group of clients, staff and volunteers came together for the Client Challenge 2025 – a weekend full of walking, laughter, teamwork, client involvement, and connection in the beautiful New Forest National Park.
Hosted at the Minstead Study Centre, the challenge gave everyone a chance to step away from the bustle of everyday life and into nature, to reconnect, reflect and rediscover what’s possible when we work together.
A weekend of challenge and connection
From the moment we set off , the excitement was clear. Once we arrived at Minstead, we settled in, be it in the camping area or in the dorms, and shared dinner and gathered around the campfire. It was a fitting start to a weekend built on warmth and community.
Over the following two days, participants took on a range of walks through the forest, from gentle five-mile strolls to full 15-mile treks. The New Forest showed off its best side though beautiful scenery, nature, open heathland, and ponies… Lots and lots of ponies!
Those who chose to stay at the venue joined in with creative activities like using the forest to make wreathes, painting, and comical attempts at team charades. Everyone was part of the experience, no matter their pace or preference.
Evenings were filled with ukulele singalongs, marshmallows, laughter, and the glow of the fire, with team quizzes, stories and a real sense of togetherness.
What participants said
“I can’t pick a favourite moment as the whole weekend was my favourite.”
“What I loved was that we had people from different backgrounds and at different stages of recovery, but we were all together and integrated.”
“By the time we had gotten on the train we had all already bonded.”
“If I could describe it in one word: it would be: ‘fulfilling’.”
These reflections capture the spirit of what the client challenge is all about: community.
A big thank you
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the weekend such a success:
- Our dedicated clients, who showed courage, kindness and determination every step of the way and supported one another.
- The staff and volunteers for ensuring everyone was safe, supported and smiling and tirelessly making sure clients’ needs were catered to.
- The Minstead Study Centre for their hospitality and beautiful setting.
- And our corporate partners for donations of kits that were used by the clients over the weekend, including Warburg Pincus who generously donated £1,000 worth of camping items for the challenge.
Looking ahead
We’re already looking forward to next year’s challenge and can’t wait to build on the energy and inspiration this weekend created. We hope to see many new and familiar faces next year!
