Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group - Mama Mia
Group: Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group
Trip Destination: Mama Mia
Date: January 2010
Braving the bad weather, Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group all rallied together to attend a performance of the popular theatre show, Mama Mia. The show itself is based around the well known music of Abba providing the perfect opportunity for all to sing along throughout the show. Full of bright colours, great costumes and amazing scenery the day out was enjoyed by all. One child said “I enjoyed every bit of the show, I sang from the beginning to the end, even when it was quiet. This has to be my favourite show yet!’
The Log Cabin - Thames Valley Adventure Playground
Group: The Log Cabin
Trip Destination: Thames Valley Adventure Playground
Date: May 2009
The Log Cabin wanted to take advantage of a new location and decided on a trip to Thames Valley Adventure Playground which is a wonderful setting for children with special needs and disabilities. Many of the children and young people who attend the Log Cabin have no other opportunity to visit different play places, and especially one with as many facilities as this. Thames Valley Adventure Playground has multi-sensory and sound rooms, sensory garden, a rock zone and many play areas specifically for children with disabilities… a Great day for all!
Up On Downs - Woodside Animal Farm
Group: Up On Downs
Trip Destination: Woodside Animal Farm
Date: May 2009
Up On Downs chose to take a group of children along to Woodside Animal Farm and Leisure Park. The Children were allowed to pet animals such as rabbits and ducks, then visit larger animals around the farm. Woodside also has a great range of attractions from an Indoor Play area to Funfair Rides so it is suitable for all ages and interests.
Days like this are a great opportunity for children with Down’s Syndrome and their family. Up On Downs said the daytrip enabled them to relax in an environment that is safe and well adapted for children, providing relief from the usual stresses on the family… and most importantly, they all could have fun!
Impact - Cadbury World
Group: Impact Parent Carer Support Group
Trip Destination: Cadbury World
Date: April 2009
Impact is a well established Parent/Carer support group in South Birmingham. They have over 60 members, all of whom have at least one child with a disability or additional need.
This trip took the group to the magical world of Cadbury, touring through ancient civilizations such as the Aztecs learning about the history of chocolate. Smelling, tasting and even writing with chocolate everyone managed to have a day which overloaded the senses. But no visit to Cadbury World is complete without a visit to the huge Cadbury shop where you can even pose with the Cadbury Caramel Bunny!
Clarendon School - Kayaking and Rock Climbing
Group: Clarendon School
Trip Destination: Richmond
Date: August 2008
This trip was part of the wonderful Clarendon Summer Scheme which they base on the Richmond Mencap Summer Fun model - a series of events and activities to get the young people active and to introduce them to new skills.
The Scheme runs over two weeks, combining a variety of different activities in order to provide opportunities for fun, socialising, team work, development of independence, challenge of potential, development of self-confidence, all in a safe and secure setting. Daytrippers supported Clarendon on some of the activities and this was one of them. A really fun way to spend the day!
AFC Bournemouth Football Club - Science Museum
Group: AFC Bournemouth Football Club
Daytrip Destination: The Science Museum, Hyde Park and The Houses of Parliament, London
Date: May 2008
AFC Bournemouth Ability Counts Football Club took over 30 children to a wonderful day out in central London. First stop was the Science Museum, where the children marvelled at all the gadgets and learned about space travel. This was followed by a picnic at Hyde Park, after which the group made their way to the Houses of Parliament.
All the children, parents and carers learned a lot during the day as well as spending some fun time together.
A.S.K. - Crealy
Group: A.S.K.
Daytrip Destination: Crealy
Date: June 2008
A.S.K. (Activities for Special Kids) is a group set up by parents of disabled children. They offer support, activities and information to families with disabled children and currently have around 30 families in their network. They took many of their families on an exciting trip to the Crealy Adventure Park.
The children enjoyed many of the rides on offer, such as the Bumper boats and the Pirate Ship and the families got to enjoy quality time together and a lovely day was had by all.
