From the 24^th to the 28^th July we were fortunate to take away 9 independent Children and five families of Children with additional or complex needs.

We went on a residential holiday to The Calvert Trust in Keswick the Lake District

Whilst there we were able to take part in Rock climbing, Canoeing, Zip wire, archery and cycling. This was a great opportunity for our independent young people to experience being away from their parents experience some amazing activities whilst maintain their independence.

Some of the young people knew each other but for others it was their first time but strong friendships were formed they had to learn to get along with each other and they supported each other

This gave our peer mentors the opportunity to step up with some amazing outcomes of them being able to support their fellow peers.

Parents of the young people who came away independently were able to have some respite and although not total respite for our families who attended they said they felt really supported and even little things like being taken a coffee in the morning meant so much

The evenings were spent socialising in the games room, use of the swimming pool and a disco.

Some quotes from our families and young people included

“I had the most amazing time thank you Vista”

“I was quite scared at first but I had a go at everything” 

“It was great to be able to come away with my son and my daughter to be somewhere outside of the home we all got to experience things we wouldn’t normally do”

“I have never ridden a bike before now I really want one”

“Best week of my life”