Adult Weekend 2023

Posted Mon 4th Sep 2023 at 09:07
by Grace Fletcher

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"I could write mountains of paragraphs going into detail about how amazing this weekend was, it was one of the best things I have ever done!"

It wasn’t until after I was first introduced to the possibility of having Tourette Syndrome in 2019 that I realised there was an entire community built surrounding the condition. Before my diagnosis in 2022, I spent the few years in between struggling with no support and having never spoken to another person with Tourette’s, or someone in association with Tourette’s before. This had a detrimental impact on my mental health and an internal battle with myself went on through these years as I lacked the understanding surrounding the condition, and everything that I did know was based on stereotypes formed from misunderstandings.

As soon as I saw a post on Tourettes Actions’ Instagram page stating that there was going to be an adult TICfest opening for 2023, I rushed to find out more information as I was desperate to be a part of something that I knew would help me massively. Of course, with something new I had lots of questions such as “will I make friends?” and “will this make my tics worse?”, and I had nobody who was able to answer these questions for me. At first this caused me worry and a bit of stress, but Tourettes Action answered all my concerns and questions and had plans in place for the weekend away to overcome these concerns.

I could write mountains of paragraphs going into detail about how amazing this weekend was, it was one of the best things I have ever done! But I want to keep this blog simplistic, so I unfortunately must cut it short. The weekend was full of activities, most of which I have never tried before! Some of the main activities we were given the opportunity to participate in include kayaking, canoeing, climbing, ziplining, abseiling, leap of faith, as well as many workshops held by other attendees including paper flower making, chewellery making, biscuit decorating, dancing and more! What makes the thrill of all these activities even better, is the fact that we got to do them with new people who we shared common ground with. Free time was also a massive feature of this weekend, and we had plenty of opportunities to meet other people and get to know everyone, so we weren’t limited to a small group.

As well as the fantastic selection of activities, everyone who attended the weekend was extremely welcoming and friendly. When I had first arrived at the weekend, I am certain I came across as shy and withdrawn due to not knowing anybody who was attending. Before we even got into the building, a couple of girls came over to me and introduced themselves and engaged in a conversation with me which helped me gain confidence and feel more comfortable in this new environment. As well as this, when we reached the building, Emma (who organised the event) came over and greeted me and was aware of who I was despite having never met each other before. She introduced me to some more attendees who were of a similar age to myself and who I happened to be sharing a room with for the weekend. This was a lovely gesture as it put me more at ease and helped me make my first friends.

After attending this weekend, I have been left feeling ecstatic and having a new outlook and perspective on Tourette Syndrome as a whole. Before the weekend I lacked an understanding surrounding the condition, but after the weekend I have a much more rounded understanding having obtained knowledge from other people’s experiences and seeing the bigger picture. As well as providing me with a deeper understanding, I strongly feel as though I have grown as a person and gained new skills from this weekend including building my confidence when speaking to other people about my Tourette’s, which is something I have never felt comfortable sharing before with anybody, not even my own family.

Coming home from the weekend, I can open up to my parents fully about my Tourette’s and it has had a huge impact on my life mentally, emotionally and physically.

I cannot thank Tourettes Action enough for all they have done for the community, and all they are doing now and in the future. I never realised how much of an impact these events would have on me, and I am unable to put into words my gratitude. I would also like to thank all the staff and volunteers for the weekend who worked hard to create such a comforting environment.

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