One of the most encouraging things about going to Taizé has been the people I've met and the friends that I've made. Everyone you meet here is friendly and will openly talk to you about their beliefs. It's really encouraging to learn about the different ways of life and how similar their experiences are to your own.

The services are great as there is a large community feel as everyone is singing together. There is also a community feel in the cleaning tasks as you get to give something back to the monastic life.

One of the best parts of the trip was just playing cards and talking to people from all over the world – Sweden, Norway, USA and from closer to home too; Barnsley. Even just meeting people for the first time and finding out you like the same games and music can really help you make new friends, and that is so easy to do at Taizé.

We have had the chance to experience the Swedish Midsummer festival which involves dancing around a pole while singing about frogs and their lack of ears! When I get home I think that I will be a much more confident outgoing person as being in Taizé has taught me how easy it is to make friends and how interesting every individual person is.

Lastly, the prayers offer 10 minutes of silence which I have found great to reflect and think about things so I'm going to try to give myself more time to do that.

Matthew and Matthew (15)

Young Leaders, Archbishop Holgates