On April 29th, 2025, Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire held its annual Away Day at the Flitwick Community Football Centre. Tawananyasha, Young Healthwatch volunteer, writes about the day.

The event brought together the CEO, board members, and volunteers, including myself and my friend Afifa from Young Healthwatch, to reflect on past achievements and strategise for the future.

Collage of images

Kicking Off with Team Building

We began the day with a fun icebreaker: writing our names on paper and listing facts corresponding to each letter. This activity set a positive tone, fostering camaraderie among attendees.

Insights from the Team

Each team member presented their role within the charity, highlighting accomplishments from previous years and outlining goals for the upcoming year. These presentations provided a comprehensive understanding of the organisation’s operations and aspirations.

A Powerful Personal Story

After a brief coffee break, we listened to Kim Petty, a young woman with Down syndrome, share her experiences navigating the healthcare system. She discussed challenges like appointment delays and being treated as a child rather than an adult. Kim’s motto, “See the able, not the label,” resonated deeply. She also spoke about her small business that supports others with Down syndrome, donating all profits to the cause.

Operational Transparency

The CEO provided insights into the organization’s operations, communication strategies, and collaborations. Financial transparency was emphasized, revealing the total government grant and what the surplus was, after expenditures.

Lunch and Networking

A delightful lunch followed, offering an opportunity for networking and informal discussions. The food and refreshments were thoroughly enjoyed by all, especially Afifa and me.

Promoting Health and Wellbeing

In the final segment, the focus shifted to health and wellbeing for us all. Afifa and I led a walking relay activity where team members shared health and wellbeing tips. Despite my team not winning, the activity was engaging and informative. We also participated in guided chair mobility exercises led by Tina from Fit Tish, which were both fun and invigorating.

Looking Ahead

The event concluded with the CEO outlining the organisation’s future vision and strategy. The day was insightful, highlighting the progress made by Healthwatch Central Bedfordshire, and inspiring us, the young volunteers, to contribute further to the community.