Trainees Asher, Tapiwa and Daniel joined Switchback Mentors Milka and Kat on a trip designed to try out new things and gather new experiences.
First up – a trip on the MBNA Thames Clipper boat from London Bridge to Greenwich. With glorious late-summer weather and clear blue skies, the team enjoyed great views of London, and really enjoyed the different pace of life on the river.
Asher gazes at Cutty Sark
Next, the group took in the sights of Greenwich, popping into the Cutty Sark for a cheeky photo opportunity. Asher said he wanted to take “gazing photos like Will Smith”!
(L to R) Tapiwa, Switchback Mentor Milka, Daniel, Asher
They also found themselves in the Walala X Play art installation at Now Gallery – a colourful maze of mirrors and bold colours designed by artist Camille Walala. Everyone had to take their shoes off to enter, which challenged some of the Trainees, but everyone joined in and explored the installation.
Finally, they confronted their fear of heights with a trip in the Emirates Air Line cable car from Greenwich to Royal Victoria. Switchback Mentor Milka said that she was the most affected by the height, but the Trainees loved the birds’ eye view, and felt it was “a nice getaway from the everyday”.
The Trainees really valued the day as something completely different from the ups and downs of life. Tapiwa said “It took all my stress away… I feel alive!”, and Asher said, “I feel relaxed.”
Trips like these are designed to stretch Switchback Trainees beyond their comfort zone, and put them in situations they might not choose themselves. Daniel, Asher and Tapiwa’s enjoyable day will help power their Switchback journey and help them approach new situations with great confidence.
(L to R) Asher, Tapiwa, Daniel
