A Good News Story & An Invaluable Lesson
From the Bodmin Confidence & Resilience Course – People Hub – July 30th 2025
Initial Challenge
If ever there was demonstration of ‘small but mighty’, July 30th 2025, was it!
A lot of work goes into organising our Active Plus sessions; from initial contact with potential participants to the booking of venues, presentation of introductory sessions, right through to organising special guests for the final session celebration. So, at times, it can be disheartening – for all involved – when the expected cohort don’t arrive for a session, especially when we know individuals are missing out on some invaluable guidance, support, and fun. A truly unique experience and opportunity has been missed.
There’s a ‘but’ coming…
The Reassuring Reality
But this plays no part in watering down the impact these sessions have for those that see it through to the end. The recent ‘Confidence and Resilience’ course – held as part of the People Hub project – in Bodmin was no different. The benefits have been clear to see!
The final session was a chance to celebrate the fantastic achievements made, and recognise the outstanding personal journeys created throughout the duration of the course. Each of those in attendance conveyed eagerness, determination and displayed a brightness and enthusiasm that filled the room. There was little doubt that these participants were leaving with a much better view of themselves, their worth, their ability, and the potential opportunities that could be waiting around the corner. There was a definite sense of ‘breaking down barriers’, ‘developing personally’, and ‘moving forward positively’.
The Background
The participants on this course have all, in one way or another, experienced social isolation, difficulties in being and feeling understood, being overlooked, and feeling generally ‘unheard’ in society. One individual had even experienced some highly negative treatment from a place of authority. As such, on arrival, they were lacking confidence, despondent in moments, and, understandably, somewhat shut down and reticent to engage with the instructors – or even each other.
Unfazed, the instructors delivered the sessions, safe in the knowledge that, in a short time, trust would build, confidence would grow, and progress would be made.
Within this group, a few participants stood out as positive, open to opportunity and determined to stay to the end of the course. This really was encouraging to witness.
Jacob & Sarah
Jacob attended with his mum, Sarah, who initially reached out to Active Plus as she felt her son would benefit from taking part in something constructive, supportive, and ‘different’ – something that could help bring him out of himself, boost his confidence, and provide a sense of purpose and belonging.
As a self-employed mother of three, Sarah was no stranger to challenge, embracing the sessions with a fantastically positive attitude and expressing appreciation for the opportunity to access support and understanding – for both Jacob and her. A chance to do something that could help her as much as her son. As Jacob’s mother, Sarah longs to see him strive to fulfil his potential, to be able to stand up and take his space in society – and for others to recognise the value he offers.
When Jacob first started the course, he openly admits to feeling “nervous” and “irritated”, even having “second thoughts” that made him want to leave. Thankfully, his motivation helped him to persevere. So much so in fact that Jacob states this as something that will help him in life in the future, as “Helping others and pushing through it” are among the lessons he feels able to apply going forward.
Along with the confidence he has gained from the Active Plus course, Jacob has been able to see that stepping out of his comfort zone can be beneficial and enjoyable. He notes he has learnt, “How I should rely on others, not just myself.” The positive results of this will no doubt have a ripple effect for his mum, Sarah, too.
The highlight of the course for Jacob was the instructors who, after recalling an adverse experience from his time with others in a position of authority, appreciated their humour and relates, “I can trust them more easily”. This, of course, is a huge compliment to the Active Plus instructors who work hard to tailor their approach around the individual participants within in any given group.
Jacob’s mum, Sarah, was happy to admit that, although attending to support her son, she too was intrigued about what Active Plus is all about, excited to try something new – and even a little nervous at the start. Not only could Sarah gain joy from seeing her son enjoy the session activities, she humbly recognised the activities also helped her to build confidence and resilience. When asked what she learnt from the sessions, Sarah expressed,
‘To look at things from a different angle, use patience, and ask for help when needed.’
The sessions certainly gained from Sarah’s presence, and it was a pleasure to have her join the activities and discussions.
Participant M
Participant M brought a warmth to the course, and a willing spirit. It was a delight to see his happiness to be present, and his appreciation for the interactions and help he received, despite his initial nerves – and despite having taken part in a similar course previously.
Participant M humbly admitted,
‘I was not doing a lot with my life. The course got me more motivated.’
It was clear that Participant M had a lot to offer and would add value, especially to a service-based business that involves interacting with others. Participant M noted that he had gained more skills from the sessions, including “…working as a team with others,” and “trying to see things in a different view.”.
Participant M could genuinely see that the Veteran Instructors make a difference because,
‘…they have a lot of experiences with a lot of things.’
The team certainly appreciated his consistency, dependable nature, and openness to learn.
Positive Effects
As the course drew to a close, the personal development was evident, and everyone was looking at the next step with a renewed vigour and excitement for new opportunity.
Jacob not only gained confidence, but he also now felt even more motivated and, most poignantly, “social”. For a young person who has been insular and let down by people in the past, this is a major achievement, and we are so happy that the world will get to see the value that he adds and the skills he brings with him. Advocating for others who have experienced similar challenges would be a fantastic option for Jacob.
Sarah loved the problem-solving puzzles and, when prompted to consider how having Veteran Instructors delivering the sessions helps, she was able to see that the Veterans “having their own life stories to share, and how they have helped themselves.”, truly does enhance the effectiveness of the lessons, and helps participants to feel seen and validated. The instructors are relatable.
By the end of the course, Sarah was walking away feeling “good”, “happy”, “confident”, and thankful to the Active Plus team.
For Participant M, the highlight of the course was taking part in the team tasks and having a chance to work in a group. So much so, he has expressed a desire to do more in the future.
By the end of the course, Participant M was feeling “aware” because he learnt that there are more opportunities out there for him, “smart” because he acknowledged he could be an asset in the right setting, and better at “solving” as he considered practical steps he could take to achieve his new goals.
Praise is most certainly due to the whole group!
Looking Forward
As is generally always the case, participants of Active Plus courses begin to unveil potential and possibility as the sessions play out. As confidence is boosted, interests are sparked, inspiration surrounds, and the realisation they all have options and opportunities ahead dawns on them.
With this group, there was definitely a shift in perspective, and moments of clarity. There has been an emerging of aspirations, goals, and focus – personal insight and growth.
Additional discussions with the Mayor of Bodmin during the final session’s Celebration also reinforced feelings of self-worth. One of the many noteworthy contributions from the Mayor included,
“No-one is better than you. They may be equal, but NO-ONE is ever better than you…”.
Wise words which were appreciated by all in attendance.
Understandably, it was heart-warming for the Active Plus delivery team to witness the expression of goals for the future, from each participant. Jacob, Sarah, and Participant M are all eager to start a first aid course soon. Jacob is also keen to enter employment, and Sarah is even interested in volunteering with Active Plus in some capacity. Meanwhile, Participant M has expressed his desire to gain more qualifications and general life skills, especially with a view of enhancing his CV.
These outcomes are so uplifting, and we cannot stress enough just how encouraging, inspiring, and motivating it is for the Veteran Instructors to see the course participants blossom. The whole team is thankful for the engagement and contribution from these participants who have given us the confidence that what we deliver can make a difference, and the resilience to keep going, regardless of numbers.
Jacob was also kind enough to remind us of the motivational quote from the animated film “Turbo” which, honestly, sums everything up!
“No dream is too big; no dreamer is too small”
What fabulous words to emphasise that everyone has the potential to achieve great things, no matter what their current circumstances are, what perceived obstacles there may be or any unreasonable societal expectations that may exist.
If you can believe in yourself, you are halfway there! Remember, even the most ambitious dreams are often achieved through small, manageable steps, and actionable tasks.
For our participants, this is just the beginning! We truly believe you can achieve any goals if you chase them with passion and the same persistence you have brought to this Active Plus course and allow others to help you along the way.
Blog Post: Suzanne Body, Active Plus
