Families’ Activity Breaks or FABs offer a welcome break away for bereaved military families to meet and socialise with others who have experienced a similar loss. All those attending have the opportunity to engage in many activities to bond and build confidence. Our intrepid game-for-adventure Community Development Officer, Dani Bowman has links with many bereaved families and joined in the revelry.
“During the week there is the opportunity to reflect, it’s not mandatory but everyone is invited to light a candle for their loved one, it is incredibly moving and a poignant reminder but always followed by a roaring fire and loads of s’mores*,” said Dani.
The East Barnby Outdoor Education Centre in Whitby played host to this years’ FAB camp in August – a location that can trace its military links back to World War I. At one time East Barnby housed an RAF bomb disposal unit tasked with clearing bombs from the Moors. By 1961 builders employed to construct RAF Flyingdales also spent time at the site. Prior to becoming an outdoor education centre, it was an education training facility. So, it has certainly had a checkered history!

FAB breaks are staffed by both military and civilian volunteers all helping to act as mentors or to offer a sympathetic ear. Each person is trained to support children and young adults facing bereavement.
Events throughout the week included mountain biking, canoeing, sailing, paddle boarding – even a Disney themed FABs Got Talent night where along with comedy sketches, dancing and poetry readings, Dani morphed into ‘Mary Poppins’ ably assisted by FS Jim Robbins as ‘Bert.’

There were many special memories throughout the week, but one of the most poignant for Dani involved two boys and riding a bike. Both teenagers had never learned to ride and felt too embarrassed to try. A volunteer gave them some bikes to practice on, in private to increase confidence. Watching them for over three hours, Dani saw them grow in confidence as they continued to get back on the saddle after falling off. They cycled to meet their mum. “I’m not going to lie, lots of tears, mum was crying, their volunteer was crying, the instructor was crying, and I might just have had something in my eye! This simple thing is going to be life changing for that family. This is the FAB effect!” said Dani, proudly.

For anyone looking for a rewarding and fulfilling diversion, volunteering for FAB can be life changing both for the volunteer and the people they help, according to Dani. If anyone wants to have a chat over a coffee about volunteering for FAB, please contact Dani on [email protected] More details about FAB can be found at www.fabcamps.org.uk

*a confection consisting of toasted marshmallow and chocolate sandwiched between a cracker or biscuit.
Header photo courtesy of Freepik.