Our summer trip to Brent Lodge Park was a day full of smiles, sunshine, and connection. Both staff and young people came together to enjoy time outdoors, build friendships, and share in a fun, relaxed afternoon away from the usual routine. The day offered the perfect balance of play, laughter, and meaningful connection, a true reflection of what community looks like at Refugee Youth Service.

We started the afternoon with pizza and a few rounds of UNO, which quickly became a brilliant icebreaker. The young people relaxed, laughed, and engaged with one another straight away. It was heartwarming to see everyone joining in, some teaching others how to play, others cheering on new friends and the atmosphere quickly filled with energy and excitement.

After lunch, we visited the small zoo inside the park, which was a real highlight of the day. The young people explored the different animal enclosures with curiosity and enthusiasm, taking time to watch and talk about what they saw. The flamingos were the clear favourites, their bright colours and graceful movements captured everyone’s attention and sparked lots of laughter and photos.

Despite the language differences, with many young people not speaking English and only a few sharing the same first language, communication flowed effortlessly through smiles, gestures, and shared moments of fun. Watching them connect so naturally was a beautiful reminder that friendship doesn’t always need words.

By the time we finished exploring, the temperature had reached 30 degrees, so the group cooled down with some much-deserved ice cream in the shade. It was a simple but joyful way to end the visit. Everyone relaxed, chatted, and enjoyed each other’s company in the sunshine.

Another special part of the day was seeing staff and young people connect on a personal level. Outside of the usual setting, the atmosphere felt open and equal. The young people were able to see staff as more than just workers but as real people who enjoy laughing, playing games, and sharing experiences too. This created genuine trust and helped strengthen relationships in a natural, meaningful way.

Several young people shared their reflections on the day:

“I liked seeing the flamingos, they were funny!”

“Playing UNO with everyone was really fun, I liked making new friends.”

“Eating ice cream outside made the day feel really special.”

The day was full of laughter, teamwork, and positivity. Everyone, staff and young people alike, contributed to creating an atmosphere of inclusion and mutual respect. It was wonderful to see how such a simple day out could have such a powerful impact.

Reflection:
The Brent Lodge Park trip was more than just a fun day out,  it was a meaningful opportunity for young people to build friendships, practice social skills, and feel part of a caring community. For many, it offered a sense of belonging and normalcy, as well as the joy of shared experiences. For staff, it was a chance to strengthen relationships and connect with young people in a genuine, human way.

✨ At Refugee Youth Service, we’re committed to creating safe, inclusive, and joyful experiences that help young people feel seen, supported, and connected. Days like this remind us that simple moments sharing food, laughing over a game of UNO, or watching flamingos in the sun can create lasting memories and build the strongest sense of community.