Connecting young adults with upper limb difference
Meet people who get it. Try new things. Be yourself.
Being 18–25 can be exciting, confusing, challenging – and sometimes all three at once.
Whether you’re starting university, looking for work, navigating relationships, becoming more independent or simply figuring out what comes next, you don’t have to do it alone. The Reach 18–25 Programme gives you the chance to meet other young adults with upper limb difference, make new friends and share experiences with people who understand. Through a residential retreat and 9-month online mentorship programme, you’ll have opportunities to try new things, have honest conversations, ask questions, build confidence and support each other. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out. Come as you are, get involved as much or as little as you want, and find your people along the way.
The 18–25 Retreat
18 – 25 Reach Retreat 2027 dates announced…
Dates: 2nd – 5th July 2027
Venue: The 18-25 Retreat is heading to a new stunning Venue in the Lake District – Home – Stanley House Eskdale
Price: FREE
The programme begins with a residential retreat, bringing young adults aged 18–25 together for a few days away from everyday life.
The retreat is a chance to meet other young adults with upper limb difference, build friendships, try new experiences and spend time with Reach mentors who have their own lived experience. The weekend includes a mixture of activities, group time and plenty of opportunities to relax and socialise.
The retreat provides an opportunity to:
- Meet others with shared experiences
- Build friendships and connections
- Try new activities and experiences
- Develop confidence and independence
- Spend time with experienced Reach mentors
- Share experiences in a supportive environment
- Have fun and enjoy being part of the Reach community
18 – 25 Online Mentoring Programme
Keeping the connection going!
Following the retreat, participants have the opportunity to continue their journey through our 9-month online mentorship programme. The programme brings young adults together online each month with Reach mentors who have their own lived experience of upper limb difference.
Sessions take place on Microsoft Teams and provide a safe and supportive space to talk openly, share experiences, ask questions and learn from one another.
The online programme is participant-led, so the young adults help shape the topics we discuss.
Topics may include:
- Confidence and body image
- Relationships and dating
- University, education and employment
- Workplace adjustments
- Disclosure and talking about your upper limb difference
- Social situations and friendships
- Independence and everyday life
- Stress, resilience and wellbeing
There is also a “Hot Topics” section in each session, giving participants the opportunity to bring their own questions, experiences or subjects they would like to discuss. The retreat provides an opportunity to meet face-to-face and build those initial connections. The online mentorship then gives participants a chance to keep those connections going throughout the year. We are flexible too – if you fancy joining the mentorship first and then the retreat, no problem. Whatever works for you best!
Together, the retreat and mentorship programme create a supportive community where young adults can meet people who understand, share experiences and develop confidence as they navigate adulthood.
Who is the programme for?
You don’t need to have a particular issue or concern to take part. Whether you’re looking for support, friendship, advice or simply the opportunity to meet other people who understand, there is a place for you in the programme.
For more information or any questions regarding the 2027 programme please email Jenna Roper, Project Coordinator – WhatsApp 07484 462462 or email jennaR@reach.org.uk
I think I’d like to be a Mentor, what will I be doing?
It’s a privilege of a lifetime that I get to mentor as part of the 18-25 Retreat. It’s exactly what I would love to have experienced when I was that age. To have been among peers and around those I could learn from would have made those challenging situations that we all get at that age that little bit easier.
Reach Mentor: Tony Addison
As a mentor, you’ll coach the participants while also getting to do some fun, amazing activities. You’ll be a part of a team of 8 mentors with upper limb differences supporting young adults with issues and difficulties around navigating life with a limb difference, and often times acting as an “older sibling like” figure. This is a unique opportunity to interact and support younger adults with upper limb difference and help foster their potential in the world and create strong connections.
You will be supported in your role as a mentor and helped through the process by our Programme Coordinator, Jenna Roper. You will also receive mentoring training and supervision from Chantell Smith-Minns at New Pastures Therapies, who is herself an adult with an upper limb difference.
Participation in the retreat is completely FREE but if you are still unsure about the project and would like to know more before signing up, please contact Jenna:
Email: jennaR@reach.org.uk
Tel: 07932 747 654
Research alongside the project
Over the next 3 years Durham University are also going to help us develop and grow this project by running a much-needed independent research project alongside. There is quite a big research gap in the experience of young adults with ULD and the young adults and mentors that get involved with this project are going to help close that gap!
We hope you’re as excited as we are!
This is a fantastic opportunity to both help Reach grow while getting the support you need in a safe environment. The details once more:
Dates: 2nd – 5th July 2027
Venue: Home – Stanley House Eskdale
Price: FREE
