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RISE#3 – Five days. Big challenges. Endless memories.

21 Aug. 2026

Five days of confidence, courage and connection at Laches Wood.

The third RISE (Ready, Inspired, Skilled & Employed) residential was not just a break from routine - it was five days of challenges, confidence building, teamwork and moments our participants will be talking about for a long time. Young people aged 18–25 years old from London and Manchester came together at Laches Wood to try new activities, build employability skills and discover what they were capable of. 

From public speaking and interview preparation to canoeing, archery, climbing and a very competitive game of Mafia, the week mixed practical learning with the kind of experiences that push people just far enough out of their comfort zone. There were nerves, laughter, big wins, a few soggy moments and plenty of cheering from the sidelines. 

Day one: arrivals, arrows and instant friendships 

Day one began with early starts, long journeys and participants arriving at Laches Wood ready to see what RISE #3 had in store. After bags were dropped and everyone had found their bearings, the group launched straight into activities. 

Archery and axe throwing brought out friendly competition almost immediately. Targets were aimed for, near misses were politely ignored and every small win was loudly celebrated. An impromptu football match helped everyone relax, with the pitch quickly becoming the place where nerves turned into laughs and strangers started becoming teammates. 

Evening activities included indoor climbing, caving, a movie night and more football. By the first reflection session, participants were already talking about how welcomed they felt and how quickly friendships were forming. Day one did exactly what it needed to do: settle everyone in, raise the energy and prove this was going to be a week to remember. 

Day two: finding voices, making waves and a few soggy shoes 

Day two mixed classroom confidence with outdoor adventure. Speakers Trust delivered a public speaking workshop, helping participants organise their thoughts, speak clearly and stand up in front of the group. For some, it was nerve-wracking. For others, it was a chance to surprise themselves. For everyone, it was a reminder that confidence grows when you are given the right support. 

Employability sessions followed, focusing on interview techniques and how to prepare for future opportunities. Participants explored how to answer questions, present their strengths and think about the kind of impression they want to make with employers. 

Then came canoeing. There was teamwork, resilience, one unofficial 4km record and more than a few soggy moments. Staying dry was optional. Encouraging each other was not. The evening brought frisbee golf, climbing, wellbeing activities, games and snacks. By the end of the day, the group was louder, closer and much more confident. 

Day three: money, mindsets and big leaps 

Day three focused on practical life and work skills, starting with Money Ready. Participants explored budgeting, financial choices and how everyday spending decisions can shape independence, confidence and future plans. There were a few thoughtful pauses, some honest conversations and possibly a new level of awareness about where their money disappears to each month. 

An employability workshop then looked at values, workplace behaviours and what employers are really looking for. The session helped participants think about how they show up at work, what matters to them and how their strengths can support their next steps. 

In the afternoon, the Gladiator Challenge and Power Fan delivered the drama. There were high climbs, deep breaths, wobbly legs and brave steps back down to earth. Not every moment looked easy, but every attempt mattered. That evening, campfire smores, rounders, board games and Mafia gave everyone the chance to relax, laugh and realise how much the group had bonded by the halfway point. 

Day four: future plans, fearless climbs and party central 

Day four began with Participation People, who encouraged participants to think about their futures, explore their aspirations and capture their goals in personal workbooks. The session created real energy, with many young people keen to talk about their plans before the workshop had even finished. 

The afternoon brought rock climbing, air rifle shooting and a group photo to capture the week’s memories. Walls were climbed, targets were hit and plenty of people proved to themselves that they could do more than they first thought. 

After dinner and extended reflections, the canteen became Party Central. Pizza, music, karaoke, glow sticks and dancing gave everyone a chance to celebrate the week properly. It was joyful, loud and exactly the kind of ending day four deserved. 

Day five: final challenges, certificates and heading home stronger 

Day five arrived quickly, as final days always do. Bags were packed, rooms were cleared and participants chose the activities they wanted to complete as a team. Archery, axe throwing, air rifle shooting and the Leap of Faith gave everyone one last chance to challenge themselves and support each other. 

By this point, the group had built trust, confidence and a real sense of shared achievement. The final challenges brought together everything the residential had been designed to build: communication, resilience, teamwork and courage. 

The week closed with certificates, Participant of the Week awards and a celebration of the staff who had supported every activity, conversation and challenge. As participants headed home to Manchester and London, they left with stronger networks, more confidence, practical tools and a clearer sense of direction. 

As Shabaz, aged 20 put it: "RISE was a great experience as it was a moment in my life where I was able to be upskilled as well as be introduced to so many diverse people who were really great and supportive towards my professional development and aid towards breaking into the job market. 

The staff particularly were amazing and really supportive, encouraging myself to not only be disciplined, but to also help refine my soft skills 

Overall the experience was really fun and engaging whilst also being productive and useful." 

RISE keeps rising 

RISE #3 may have come to an end, but its impact is only just beginning. Participants now have the chance to build on what they learnt, revisit their goals with their Restart Advisors and stay connected through Social and Support sessions. 

Over five days, they stepped outside their comfort zones, developed employability skills, created lasting memories and proved just how much they are capable of. Whether they were climbing higher than they thought they could, speaking in front of the group, planning their next move or simply making new friends, each participant had moments that helped them grow. 

RISE did not just give young people a week away. It gave them the space to try, fail, laugh, reflect and try again. It reminded them that confidence can build quickly when people feel safe, supported and ready to take the next step. 

RISE #3 finished with packed bags, tired faces and plenty of stories for the journey home. 

It finished stronger, louder and braver than it started.