Summer is always a special time at Walk Talk Action. It brings people together through shared experiences, new challenges and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. This year was no different. We enjoyed some familiar favourites, alongside new experiences that gave everyone something different to look forward to…

Every summer at Walk Talk Action, we change things up a bit. Our usual timetable makes way for a programme of activities and trips designed to encourage people to try something new, meet new people and step outside their comfort zones.

This year’s programme offered plenty of opportunities to connect, have fun and discover something different. But, as always, the activities themselves are only part of the story. The real value comes from the making connections, building confidence and creating memories.

Our visit to Wetley Moor Alpacas Sanctuary was a wonderful opportunity to spend time with the animals and experience something completely different.

For some, stepping into an unfamiliar environment and interacting with the animals brought a few nerves at first. But as the day progressed, those nerves turned into curiosity and a sense of achievement.

There was a lovely feeling of togetherness throughout the day. Everyone supported each other and shared in the experience. Spending time with the animals is a delight. It provides an opportunity to be at one with nature and simply enjoy the moment.

Sometimes saying yes to something new can open the door to more than we expect.

Summer also brought a wonderful surprise from a group of WTA volunteers, who gave their time to transform the retreat!

The team spent the day repainting the cabins, benches and gate which led to a remarkable transformation. It was a simple act of kindness, but one that meant a great deal.

Seeing people believe in the WTA vision and give their time so generously is truly heartwarming.

Our team-building day at Brereton Heath Nature Reserve didn’t quite go according to plan! Blue-green algae unfortunately meant that kayaking and canoeing weren’t possible. This, however, gave us an opportunity to put one of WTA’s key principles into practice:

Adapt. Rethink. Find another way.

Sometimes things change unexpectedly. Sometimes the original plan doesn’t work out. But that doesn’t mean we give up.

Thus, orienteering got everyone moving again. And a series of blindfolded team challenges tested communication, trust and problem-solving. As always, there was plenty of laughter along the way, as well as time to enjoy lunch, coffee and ice cream together!

It was a great day that brought people of different ages and backgrounds together. And it was a day that proved that when plans change, new opportunities can emerge.

Our Nature Therapy Workshops are a chance to explore the outdoors and try something creative. And, perhaps more importantly, an opportunity to reduce feelings of stress, improve mood and give our minds a break from the constant noise of everyday life.

One of the highlights was Hapa Zome. This is a traditional Japanese technique which uses flowers and leaves to create botanical prints on fabric. It’s a simple activity but it encourages creativity, concentration and genuine appreciation of the natural world around us.

There was plenty of exploring too. Following a visit to the horses there was an impromptu construction project as the children transformed a dried-up pond into their own building site!

With new faces joining us, the day presented plenty of opportunities for conversation, connection and shared experiences.

A trip to Upper Moreton Rural Farm gave everyone the chance to swap urban for rural and experience something completely new.

There was plenty to discover. Walking the donkeys. Meeting the goats, horses, geese and rabbits. Learning about the farm’s calves. Meeting some particularly noisy pigs! And getting creative with hay reel wreaths and planting.

The day was also about inclusion and connection. Indeed, the welcoming team made sure everyone had opportunities to take part. For us that’s a massive thing we always take in to consideration when we partner with any organisation. If anyone was sitting alone, a volunteer would ask if they needed a hot drink or wanted to join in with an activity.

Joining the lovely folk from Meir Kitchen made it an even more special experience.

Our summer programme came to a lively close with a trip to Hanley for The Big Feast festival.

The weather took a turn and provided one final challenge. Heavy downpours changed the timetable, but everyone stuck together and made the most of the day. We enjoyed a variety of activities and performances from the likes of Tender Exchange, Stray Horns and Go Grandad Go!

The day was another great opportunity to meet new people and create shared memories. And for WTA, that’s what these days are all about. Stepping outside our familiar surroundings and making connections. The conversations and memories created from experiences shared with others really can change a person’s world.

Huge thanks to Ruby at Appetite and our wonderful host Helen.

This summer, like many before it, summarised what Walk Talk Action is all about. Saying yes to something unfamiliar. Meeting someone new. Finding confidence. Helping others. And, most importantly, discovering that we’re often capable of more than we realise.

None of this would be possible without the people who make these opportunities happen. Our participants, volunteers, staff, partners and supporters.

Thank you to everyone who walked, talked, explored, created, helped, laughed and took action with us.

Here’s to the connections we’ve made, the memories we’ve created and the opportunities still to come.