My Time 2026: Building Confidence, Creating Memories and Strengthening Belonging

My Time 2026: Building Confidence, Creating Memories and Strengthening Belonging

Ten young people from the Essex Children in Care Council (CiCC) recently took part in a three-day My Time Residential at the Brathay Trust in the Lake District, providing an opportunity to step away from everyday pressures, build friendships and experience new challenges in a safe and supportive environment.

Held during the May half-term break, the residential was designed by the Involvement Service to support young people's wellbeing, confidence, resilience and sense of belonging. It forms part of CiCC's commitment to creating positive opportunities for children in care and care-experienced young people across Essex.

Stepping Outside Comfort Zones

Over three days, young people took part in a range of exciting outdoor activities, including:

• Canoeing
• Power boating
• High ropes
• Raft building
• Ghyll scrambling
• Hill walking overlooking Lake Windermere
• Orienteering

Each activity encouraged teamwork, communication, trust and problem-solving while helping young people discover strengths they may not have realised they had.

For many, the residential was about much more than outdoor adventure. It was an opportunity to develop confidence, overcome fears and experience success in an environment where they felt supported and encouraged.

Finding Belonging

One of the strongest outcomes from the residential was the sense of connection that developed between the young people.

Many arrived not knowing each other, yet over the course of the trip they formed meaningful friendships, supported one another through challenges and developed what staff described as a real "family feel".

One young person summed up their experience by saying:

"I can be myself here, I feel like I really belong. It's like another world, completely different to my everyday. I really needed this."

These relationships continue beyond the residential and play an important role in reducing isolation and helping young people feel connected to others who understand their experiences.

Small Moments, Big Changes

The power of My Time can often be seen in the personal journeys young people make during the residential.

One young person attended whilst experiencing significant challenges with their mental health and difficulties in school. During the trip, staff saw a remarkable increase in participation, confidence and engagement. Despite being frightened of boats, the young person overcame their fears and even went on to drive a powerboat. Following the residential, carers reported a noticeable improvement in mood, confidence and overall wellbeing.

Stories like this demonstrate how the right environment, positive relationships and new experiences can help young people recognise their own strengths and capabilities.

Looking to the Future

Alongside the outdoor activities, evening sessions encouraged young people to reflect on their achievements, think about future aspirations and explore goals for education, employment and independence. Activities included future planning, motivation sessions and discussions about personal ambitions.

The residential also strengthened engagement with the Essex Children in Care Council (CiCC), with many young people expressing a desire to continue attending activities, take part in leadership opportunities and help improve services for other children in care.

The Impact of My Time

By the end of the residential, young people had demonstrated:

• Increased confidence and self-esteem
• Improved emotional wellbeing
• Stronger friendships and peer support networks
• Greater resilience and willingness to take on challenges
• Increased hope and motivation for the future

The residential also reinforced the value of relationship-based practice, showing how positive experiences, trusted adults and opportunities to belong can make a lasting difference to children and young people's lives.

As Essex continues to celebrate its Year of Opportunity, My Time demonstrates the importance of providing children in care with meaningful experiences that build skills, raise aspirations and create memories that last long after the trip has ended.

A huge thank you to all the young people who took part and to the staff who supported them throughout the residential. Together, they made My Time 2026 a truly memorable experience.