Our YouCan Residential at How Hill

Last week, staff members Josie, Kev and Léa took 10 young people from our YouCan service at The Matthew Project on a two-night residential to How Hill and it’s safe to say the trip was nothing short of incredible.

This was our second visit to How Hill, having last been in 2024, and we were so excited to return. From the moment we arrived, it felt like something special.

Day 1: Settling in and Exploring

We arrived at the house at 10:30am, where the group got to know the house rules, settle into their bedrooms, and enjoy some time in the garden. We were warmly welcomed by Becky from How Hill, who stayed with us throughout the trip and shared her incredible knowledge.

The gardens at How Hill are beautiful, and it didn’t take long for the young people to make the most of the space - playing frisbee, running around, and organising a game of manhunt together.

After lunch, we headed out for dyke dipping, where the group discovered a variety of creatures, including water beetles. Everyone had a turn using nets in a figure-of-eight motion to explore what was beneath the surface, carefully transferring their findings into trays before returning them safely to the water.

We followed this with a nature trail, setting up cameras along the way to see what wildlife we might capture later in the week. Back at the house, Becky taught the group how to weave - another new skill to try.

Dinner that evening was a big hit: chicken goujons, wedges and peas, followed by chocolate sponge cake with chocolate sauce. After some free time, we ended the day watching a truly beautiful sunset together.

Day 2: Adventure and Creativity

After breakfast at 8:30am, we set off on a boat trip to Barton Broad. The sunshine stayed with us, and we were lucky enough to spot swans and kingfishers. Becky’s expert knowledge of bird calls made the experience even more special.

Back on land, we got creative with clay modelling, shaping animals and incorporating natural materials like sticks and acorns.

After lunch, it was time to try thatching. Splitting into two groups, the young people worked together to build their own roofs - successfully tested when Becky poured water over them while they stood underneath. Both teams stayed completely dry!

The afternoon continued with den building in the forest and owl pellet dissection, where the group carefully examined and identified tiny bones.

Dinner that evening was sausages, mash, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. The group couldn’t decide, so the kitchen kindly did both mash and roast potatoes! We were also treated to sponge cake with sprinkles for dessert, which went down brilliantly. The food across the trip was a real highlight and something everyone appreciated.

That evening, over hot chocolate, we had some powerful conversations. We spoke about how we apply for funding to make opportunities like this possible. The young people then led the discussion and spoke about the impact the activities have had on them. Here are some of the things they shared:

• “I have met my second family here.” 

• “This is my long lost family now.” 

• “I have a new found confidence that I didn't know I had.” 

• “There’s been lots of new opportunities for me… I’ve tried new foods and new activities I hadn’t before.” 

• “It’s been nice getting some fresh air.” 

• “I loved joke time at dinner!” 

• “Thank you for letting me come to How Hill and teaching me to play frisbee.” 

Day 3: Final Memories

Our final morning came around far too quickly. Everyone worked together to pack up and get ready for the journey home. Before leaving, we spent time in the woods creating environmental art using natural materials - crafting everything from owls to deer.

We also took part in orienteering, using maps to navigate the area, before finishing with lunch and some final free time in the garden. At 1pm, it was time to head home - happy and full of memories that will last a lifetime.

A Trip to Remember

Across the three days, the group took part in a huge range of activities, from den building and owl pellet dissection to clay modelling, orienteering and a boat trip on the Broads. Evenings were filled with frisbee, board games, laughter, and beautiful sunsets.

The impact of the trip didn’t stop there. We received some lovely feedback from parents and carers:

• “Just wanted to say thank you to you all!! The boys haven't stopped talking about the residential! Thank you all for giving them that chance… they will never forget it!”

• “Thank you so much for taking them on the residential. They had a great time and loved the food! I really appreciate all you do and the opportunity for the children to gain trust in trained adults and have amazing experiences. I did not think they would be at this stage a year later and you have been a huge part of that.”

  
  

We are so proud of every young person who came on this trip, for their willingness to try new things and the way they supported one another throughout. Find out more about the YouCan service and how we support young people by visiting our website.