Established in 1981, the Trust began by running a one week summer holiday for children with special needs. The Trust now provides holidays for over 120 disabled children aged 5-16 each year, in various locations around the UK. Due to the high level of skilled care they require or financial circumstances, the children selected for these breaks would not otherwise receive a holiday. The holidays provide a range of fun activities in a safe and supported environment and use a care ratio of one helper to one child at all times.

The Trust is an entirely voluntary organisation and owes its success to over 200 people who dedicate their free time to helping these children.  This voluntary structure ensures that every penny raised goes directly towards a child’s holiday. 

The Holidays

Set in carefully selected venues, the holidays are hugely energetic, inspiring and full of fun and laughter. Activities include theme park and cinema trips, creative workshops, swimming, horse riding, bouncy castles, organised visits from the fire brigade and Armed Forces, magic and talent shows, discos and many more. The holidays also allow for quieter, more relaxed moments. Children might choose board games, arts and crafts, or qualified physiotherapy and each day ends calmly with a gathering, in which everyone can reflect on the days activities. The Trust’s one- to- one care ratio ensures individual attention and emphasis is also placed on group activities where lasting friendships are often forged. The holidays are conducted under 24 hour nursing supervision and there is a vast wealth of experience amongst the carers and organisers. 

Our Children

Whilst the trust is based on Christian principles of caring and respect, the children who attend the holidays come from a wide range of religious backgrounds. Children are usually recommended for a holiday either by Social Services or Special Schools, although, we will consider applications from any source.  We receive a high volume of applicants with either physical or learning disabilities, and through questionnaires, discussions and home visits, we try to select those who will benefit most.   Our selection is based on the following criteria:

-     the child’s individual needs.

-     the Trusts ability to provide a suitable carer

-          the parents or guardian’s circumstances. 

Our one to one care ratio has allowed us to care for children with most diagnosis’ including Cerebral Palsy, Down’s  Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, Severe Learning Difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Epilepsy and Muscular Dystrophy. 

The Aims

- to provide high quality, activity-based holidays for children with special needs at no cost to the child’s family or carer.

- to support the full time carers of these children by giving them a respite week.

- to give the best possible care for children with disabilities through qualified training of volunteers.

- to create a supportive and community spirited environment which encourages the awakening of social and creative abilities.

- to gather feedback from volunteers carers, parents, social workers and children to evolve constantly and improve the service we provide. 

How can you help? 

Volunteering

We are looking for people willing to give up one week of their time to work with disabled children. No prior medical training is needed, just a strong will to help others, lots of energy and a sense of humour. Accepted volunteers receive training as part of a group and each carer is paired with a child to match their capabilities. The holidays can be tiring and hard work but they are also great fun and very rewarding. There is a unique atmosphere created on these holidays. The team ethic is strong, and volunteers benefit greatly from the supportive and friendly environment. 

Fundraising

In addition to the support we have received from the Lottery Community Fund, the Trust relies on businesses, the public and volunteer-led fundraising events to finance the holidays. We need your help to fund projects at all levels. £5 pays for a child’s gift whilst £50.00 would pay for a group of 25 children to go to horse-riding. £300 provides one child with a weeklong holiday and approximately £10,000 funds a whole holiday. The Trust has no paid staff, and all money goes directly into providing the holidays. Please give generously.