Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone – Henry’s Story
Building confidence through shared experiences
Trying something new can feel like a big step, especially when you’re living with sight loss and unsure what to expect.
For Henry, two activities with the TWC Sensory Inclusion Service (SIS) and Sight Loss Shropshire – an Escape Room and a Rifle Shooting session – became a real turning point in confidence and independence.
From hesitation to taking part
Before the Escape Room, Henry admits he felt uncertain and sceptical. Like many people facing a new situation, he set himself a simple goal:
“I will go once to try it and if I don’t like it, I will never need to go again. However, I want to give it a go because if I do like it, I’ll go to more.”
That mindset – giving something a chance without pressure – is often the first step towards greater confidence.
Facing expectations and finding reassurance
Henry’s imagination had been fuelled by watching the film Escape Room, leaving him expecting something intense and overwhelming:
“like a crime scene and I’d be locked in until security let us out.”
But the reality was very different.
Meeting Penny, the activity coordinator, made an immediate impact:
“As soon as I met Penny – lovely lady. She made me feel so relaxed…”
That sense of welcome and understanding can make all the difference. Although nervous, he quickly felt at ease thanks to the supportive environment. What surprised him most was how naturally he became involved. Instead of staying quiet, he found himself communicating with others and working as part of the team:
“It made me realise… communication was the only option.”
By the end, his view had completely changed.
“I would go again to the Escape Room – I liked it that much.”
Growing independence through rifle shooting
Rifle Shooting Event
Getting ready to take aim at the rifle shooting experience
At the rifle shooting session, Henry’s mum came along, but he made a conscious decision to act independently and engage with others.
A moment he felt especially proud of came at lunchtime. Sitting alone, he debated whether to speak to another young person nearby:
“Should I just sit here… or should I just talk? So I talked…”
That small decision led to a long conversation that continued all the way home on the bus.
Meeting others with similar experiences also meant a lot to Henry, who describes them as having “eye setbacks” – a term he feels comfortable with.
During the session itself, Henry felt well supported by the instructors. He focused carefully, listening, aiming, and firing. When he hit the black ring of the target:
“My mum was ecstatic.”
Henry was proud too – not just of the shot, but of how far he’d come. In fact, he joked he could have taken another turn, but was:
“too distracted talking to another student.”
A lasting impact
Reflecting on both experiences, Henry shared:
“I can make new friends… have fun, learn new skills, and have a go even though I was sceptical.”
These activities offered more than just something new to try. They created a space where Henry could build confidence, connect with others, and realise what he’s capable of.
His QTVI, who has known him since primary school, spoke warmly about how thoughtfully he reflected on the experience, and how proud she is of the confidence he showed.
Henry’s story is a reminder that with the right support and opportunities, even small steps can lead to meaningful change.
Our Children and Young People’s programme is delivered with Telford & Wrekin Council’s Sensory Inclusion Service, thanks to support from Ulverscroft Foundation, Shropshire Community Foundation and The Powell Family Foundation.
For more information about the programme or how to get involved, contact us on 07778 956 096 or admin@sightlossshropshire.org.uk.
