Children with additional needs and disabilities were able to try activities like ziplining and using high ropes during a memorable weekend in the Lake District.
The short break held at the Calvert Trust in May was the first of four planned for this year by SSAFA. They are for serving families with children living with a range of additional needs and disabilities including autism, ADHD, Down’s syndrome, speech disorders and complex medical needs.
One happy youngster said: “I got to do all the activities for the first time with my whole family. I met children just like me and made a new best friend.”
Their parent, who is also disabled, said: “One of the most impactful aspects was the ability to fully engage in activities with my children — something I can no longer physically do in our usual environment due to my mobility challenges.
“Having access to adapted activities meant I could actively participate rather than just observe, which has strengthened our bond and created lasting memories.”
The breaks are run at two Calvert Trust sites – one in the Lakes and the other on Exmoor. Both are adapted for use by people with visible or invisible disabilities.
Forum finds out first
“So many children – and adults – accomplished things they have never done before and make wonderful connections with other families,” said Additional Needs and Disability Advisor for SSAFA, Ellen Chard.
“Thanks to the glorious weather, families were able to enjoy canoeing, archery, high ropes, ziplining, horse riding, bushcraft and walks in the Lake District hills.”
She added: “The true measure of the success and value of the short breaks is so hard to quantify. It can take days, weeks, months even for those benefits to shine through, so we really listen to what the families tell us then and there, and later.”
Members of the Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF), which is always looking for new members, receive information about the breaks first. The tri-Service group is for serving personnel, reservists and their families who have a child or adult immediate family member with an additional need and/or disability.
For more information see ssafa.org.uk/get-help/military-families/short-breaks-and-holidays-for-service-families/
Picture credit: SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity