My Weekend at TICfest for Adults

Posted Mon 11th Sep 2023 at 10:43
by Abby Smith

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"For anybody who has never attended a weekend I would highly recommend it, you will not regret it!"

Ever since my diagnosis at age 11 in 2016, I have been scared, I thought I was alone, but the weekends that Tourettes Action introduced into our community have honestly changed my life. My diagnosis was terrifying for me and my family, and despite our efforts, we struggled to connect with other families who had experienced what we were experiencing. 

I met so many more people with my condition, and it’s such an exhilarating feeling to be able to just let myself go without feeling like I’m being judged. It was almost like I was a ‘normal’ person again, but that was because I was surrounded by people just like me!

The second I saw that the weekend had been advertised I rushed to apply, because from previous ‘fests’ I knew that I’d enjoy myself yet again! There wasn’t a question in my mind that could have prevented me from attending, I knew that I’d meet lots of lovely people, and that’s exactly what happened.

I shared a room with 2 lovely girls, one of which I met at the previous Teenfest, and we all got along straight away. It was so easy to speak to everyone there, everyone was so welcoming and easy to get along with, and as someone who sometimes struggles with making new friends it was extremely easy for me!

Alongside the welcoming environment, and despite the weather being absolutely miserable on Saturday, there was an amazing range of activities, from zip lining and archery to canoeing and climbing! As well as multiple different indoor workshops, such as a chewellery making workshop, a dance workshop, and a cookie decorating workshop!

On Friday night we enjoyed a lovely bonfire, where we all sat and roasted marshmallows whilst getting to know each other, as well as plenty of free time before and afterwards. 

Mealtimes were definitely eventful, and by this, I mean food being thrown and drinks being tipped, but that’s all part of the fun in my opinion, and a great way to break the ice! 

There was also a Tourettes Action store indoors where we could purchase merchandise, as well as raffle tickets for the raffle on Saturday night, where of course the toaster was up for grabs. 

Sunday was a much more relaxed day, where we all chilled and spoke about our weekend, participated in more activities, and then departed. 

Departing must be one of the hardest things to do during these weekends, due to the fact that, despite it only being for a few days, you build brand new friendships with amazing people.

I cannot thank Tourettes Action enough for arranging this weekend and allowing me the opportunity to attend. For anybody who has never attended a weekend I would highly recommend it, you will not regret it!

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