An unusual setting for a team meeting

Each month all service managers in Gwent meet up to share ideas and information, and build bonds and a feeling of community. When Covid-19 limited the number of people who could safely meet up indoors at one time, Area Manager Peter Davies came up with an idea to ensure his meetings could still go ahead.

Peter knew the importance of these meetings, and whilst they could be held virtually, nothing could replace the feeling of being ‘in it together’.

With this in mind, Peter arranged a management meeting on the top of Pen y Fan! Peter knew that everyone needed a boost after lockdown, and what better than a walk for everyone’s wellbeing.

Peter and his managers love a challenge and so the idea of climbing Pen y Fan – the highest peak in south Wales, was born.

Everyone was nervous about the climb, and concerned about what the weather was going to be like. Luckily blue skies stretched out above them as they started their trek. Peter rallied the team and even brought along his dog Holly for the adventure!

One of the managers really struggled and wanted to give up quite early on into the walk. All of the team boosted her confidence, and encouraged and supported her the entire way. They knew that they all needed to get to the top as a team, and Peter said: “We would have carried you up the mountain if we needed to”.

It was a tough climb, but Peter said:

“The aches and pains on the climb were soon overtaken by the joy of reaching the top and seeing the view below”

When they reached the top the team sat down and celebrated their achievement. Peter told the team what he admired about each member, and encouraged them to do the same about each other. They also talked about what happiness and success look like to them as individuals, and linked this back to the people they support and how they view success and happiness.

Peter held his next meeting during a picnic in the park. When the meeting was over, Peter led the managers to a river where they learned how to paddleboard! Next for Peter’s team is a Camping expedition led by an RAF Instructor!

You can read more about our impact in Gwent in our 2022-23 report: