Odyssey - Outdoor Activity Programmes
Odyssey is a unique organisation which enhances the 
Quality of life of people with Cancer through dramatic and challenging programmes of adventure in the outdoors. Odyssey takes participants on a five day journey close to where they live, using the stimulation of uncertainty and surprise to help combat the psychological and emotional devastation caused by their illness. Odyssey provides powerful experiences in which they are supported in overcoming appropriate challenges, (some of them physical, others creative or artistic) all amid the majesty of nature, which help people to rebuild their confidence and regain their zest for life.
The Participants
Programmes are available free of charge to anyone over 18 who has been treated for cancer and does not require daily nursing care. Since 1994 nearly 500 people from all walks of life, many of them terminally ill, have participated in the Odyssey programme. They ranged in age from 18 to 84 years and had in common a recent experience of cancer and a wish to enhance their vitality and enjoyment of life.
The Experience
Odyssey currently runs three five-day programmes a year in Kent, each for 18 to 20 people. Participants arrive with little idea of what lies ahead of them, only that it will be an adventure during which they will be supported into successfully engaging with a series of challenges. During the five days based at an Elizabethan house they glide, orienteer, abseil, canoe, paint, tackle a high ropes course, make music and spend two nights aboard a Thames sailing barge sleeping in hammocks. They are supported throughout by staff with immense experience of working with groups in the outdoors. An atmosphere is created in which it is easy for them to talk over their experiences together if they wish, but there is no expectation imposed that they will do so.
The Benefits
Odyssey creates a timeless period away from the pressures of ordinary life during which people can live in the moment. In their responses to questionnaires sent out one month after the event, participants report profoundly positive effects on their confidence, ability to handle uncertainty, enjoyment of life, willingness to undertake new experiences, energy levels and optimism (see document attached). For a majority of them Odyssey is quite simply a life changing event.
Course Dates
Odyssey normally run courses in Kent, Scotland and the West Midlands in April, June/July and September; the intention being that people attend the course nearest to where they live. You can choose a time which suits you subject to there being space on the course. If your preferred course is full, you can book a place on a later course but also go on the standby list for your preferred date; then if somebody drops out we will offer you the place. You can find an up to date list of course dates HERE.
To book a place
Odyssey is a small national charity which is able to offer around 150 places each year; most of these are made available through staff in the treatment centres which are within our network but a small proportion of places are booked centrally. If you are interested:
- first ask if there is a member of staff at your treatment centre who deals with Odyssey;
- if there isn't, contact Odyssey directly to see if there are any places still remaining for central booking.
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