This Halloween we decided to venture out and experience a few frights at Warwick Castle. Eleven young people joined staff for a night full of adventure, scares, and laughter, an experience that challenged comfort zones, strengthened friendships, and built confidence in new surroundings.
Ahead of the evening, young people on the project had expressed an interest in an event like this, with multiple of them being big fans of all things Halloween. It was fantastic to see some of the fancy dress costumes and masks people brought along with them, really getting into the spirit of the event and some of our young people were even mistaken for actors on the night!
The evening provided an opportunity for participants to step into the unknown and face their fears together. From navigating the spooky trails to exploring the dark corners of the castle grounds, the group showed fantastic teamwork and care for one another, making sure everyone felt included and safe throughout the experience.
The night started off with the group sharing some hot food together whilst listening to some of the live entertainment, getting our bearings and planning which scare maze we would tackle first. The young people went through two separate mazes, with fantastic actors dressed up in character jumping out and providing scares to the group one at a time! After the thrills of the mazes, we met back near the food for a cup of hot chocolate and watched the rest of the live entertainment before meeting back at the coach to return home.
It was brilliant to see the young people supporting one another and getting stuck into the scare mazes! For many, this was a totally new experience, and they rose to the challenge with confidence and a real sense of togetherness.
Ross Cox, Altogether Now Project Manager
The trip also encouraged participants to develop key life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and cooperation, all while having great fun and making lasting memories.
The Altogether Now Project works to support young people with SEND to build confidence, independence, and connections within their community. Experiences like Castle After Dark show how shared adventures can bring out the best in young people, helping them to grow, laugh, and shine together.
This trip was a brilliant example of how new experiences, teamwork, and a supportive environment can make a real difference. The group returned home late at night, tired but smiling and ready for their next adventure!