By Isle of Wight Observer
Members of the IW Youth Trust’s taskforce took an unconventional approach to building confidence and resilience last month, heading out on a festive walk around Newport – each accompanied by a carrot.
Inspired by author Ben Aldridge’s encouragement to step outside comfort zones in creative and unexpected ways, the group braved a blustery December evening for the light-hearted outing. The walk included photo stops at Christmas trees around the town and outside the Guildhall, before the group dropped in to the Revive youth group.
Revive is also the venue where young people will register for the annual Youth Voice event, which takes place on January 31. During the evening, Taskforce members were also invited to watch an Irish dance class taking place nearby, with participants encouraging the group to join in.
Paul Savill, who heads up youth engagement for the charity, said the aim was to show that trying something different does not have to be risky to be meaningful.
“This was an idea to simply do something silly but safe, and show it doesn’t matter what others think of what you are doing,” he said. “What a great conversation starter to say, ‘I once took a carrot for a walk’?”
Membership of the Youth Trust taskforce is open to young people aged 11 to 25. More information about the group, and how to get involved is available via iw.observer/youth-trust.
