Page 48 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2016/17

46
www.raptcassociation.org.uk
that encapsulate the ve day journey from arrival to departure, a journey of discovery, renewed self-ef cacy and above all, hope.
Monday
Forming: The time is 1310 on the rst day of the MAC. Leaden skies unleash a down pour of monsoon proportions as I walk across the gothic grounds of the National Sports Centre to the central brie ng room. As I push on cautiously I approach the door and enter the room where I stand and survey the scene ahead. Twenty four sets of eyes greet me with indifference; some gaze as if trans xed to the oor, others squint with a look of suspicion. Indeed, I am surrounded by a collective of desperate human beings clinging to the last vestiges of dignity, their eyes re ecting despair. At this precise moment in time, the Battle Back Centre appears one of the most forsaken places imaginable. Fast forward 90 minutes however and the medium of wheel chair basketball has been strategically utilised to bring all to a common level of physical and mental inclusion. The ‘shock of capture’ after a protracted period of inactivity for most begins to fade, whilst embryonic interpersonal relationships begin to form. It might not be so bad here after all....
Ex SMI Michaela Barwick and student on Climbing Wall
Storming: Following a lengthy group development session where emotional boundaries are explored and individual viewpoints examined, the students head off for a day’s climbing and indoor caving in Wolverhampton, this time working in smaller teams of 3 with a coach to mentor and guide. The absence of group cohesion at this stage is tempered with a discernable sense of enjoyment from the day’s achievement. The second group development session of the day re-enforces the positive aspects, whilst a degree of realisation begins to dawn on the students. What seemed at the outset like a foreboding challenge has actually been enjoyable.
Wednesday
Norming: A double period of cognitive coping strategies is followed by an Indoor bowling session in Shrewsbury. How will this challenge us the students ask? Surely indoor bowls is an old folk’s game. Or so the perception would seem at the outset. Fourty minutes into the rst game and the level of concentration and competiveness would rival the Olympic stage. The students have mutually accepted one another, team cohesion is strengthening and social normalisation has been established. A sense of teamwork then carries the group to RAF Cosford for Indoor Kayaking and seated volleyball, all carefully orchestrated to engender maximal group activity and inclusion.
Thursday
Performing: The morning’s development session leads in clay pigeon shooting for the majority, and for those with diagnosed PTSD, an alternative activity such as gol ng or shing is provided. Later in the day, the group progress to an Archery session where students frequently realise hidden talents, hitherto undiscovered. A degree of exibility borne from trust has emerged. Those who were isolated and withdrawn at the start of the week are now beginning to problem solve for themselves with a clear purpose and renewed self-ef cacy. Even those reticent and unsure begin to contribute to the team’s purpose.
Wheelchair Basketball student
RAF Cosford Kayak session
Tuesday