Over the bank holiday weekend, we had the pleasure of teaming up with TotalMTB at The GT Bicycles Malverns Classic Mountain Bike Festival. Although the weather started rainy, the skies eventually cleared, and despite a bit of mud, the atmosphere remained lively and positive.
This year’s festival saw a smaller turnout than last year, but this allowed us to engage more deeply with attendees passing by. Numerous visitors shared how much they valued having a space to unwind, with many commenting that every festival should have a Calm Corner. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, reaffirming the importance of what we do in these often fast-paced, high-energy environments.
Throughout the weekend, our volunteers were able to provide meaningful support to a range of individuals:
- A Paramedic’s Dilemma: One of the most memorable interactions was with a paramedic who expressed a conflict between the highly medicalised system they work in and their growing interest in exploring homoeopathic practices. It was clear they were at a personal crossroads, and our space provided a safe place for them to reflect on their next steps.
- Supporting Parents in Crisis: A couple struggling with the realities of caring for their seriously ill daughter also visited us. Their little girl has a life-limiting condition, and while much of the support focuses on her, the parents are left feeling isolated and exhausted. The mother shared that there is a significant gap in support for families in their situation due to funding cuts. She took one of our leaflets, noting that she had a network of parents facing similar challenges.
- A Family’s Need for Reassurance: We also welcomed a distressed father and his overwhelmed daughter, who were visibly upset. Within minutes of sitting in the Calm Corner and receiving kind words and reassurance, they began to relax. Soon, the rest of their family joined – her twin brother, older sister, and mum – all of whom expressed their appreciation for the quiet moment of peace amidst the chaos of the festival.
- Teenage Bikers Seeking Rest: The festival attracted many teenagers passionate about mountain biking. Several of them took the opportunity to decompress in our space, enjoying a break from the adrenaline and hustle of the event. It was rewarding to see these young individuals recognise the importance of taking a pause.
As the day flew by, the sense of fulfilment from connecting with so many people was palpable. Our mission to provide emotional support, grounded in kindness and compassion, was warmly received by everyone who visited. We were incredibly grateful for the chance to team up with TotalMTB once again and be part of this event offering a place of solace in the midst of the excitement.
We love facilitating Calm Corner and making a real difference at events across the country. Our mission is to offer a safe, supportive space for individuals to take a moment for themselves, whether they’re dealing with trauma, anxiety, or just need a brief respite from the hustle and bustle.
Find out more: Calm Corner by Trauma Research UK