Short Break Stories

No Limits Holiday 2017

A story by No Limits

We took a group of carers and the people they care for on a week long activity break to Calvert Trust Kielder Northumbria.

No Limits are a multi- sportsclub for children and young people in the East Central Scotland area and we specialise in providing sporting and social opportunities. we also organise weekend activity breaks and week long activity holidays.

On a weekly basis we offer a Saturday morning sports session in Linlithgow , on a Friday evening a boccia Club at Bathgate , on a Sunday afternoon a fitness session at a gymnasium near Livingston, on Thursday mornings an archery session at Blackburn. We also organise 4 ten Pin Bowling competitions at deer Park Livingston.

What No Limits Holiday 2017 did

We took 51 people (members and their carers and two volunteers ) for a week long activity holiday including full board at the Calvert Trust Holiday centre in Kielder, Northumbria at a cost of £730 per person.

They took part in the following activities,Velcro Olympics, Sailing, Canoeing, Power Boating, Archery, Orienteering, Climbing, Absailing, Zip Wiring, High ropes, Clay
Pigeon shooting and a host of games and problem solving exercises,plus we arranged a day visit to the Leaplish Bird of Prey Centre. At night time social activities including quizzes ,karaoke and bingo.

These opportunities are limited to people who are members of the club ,the chance to take part is advertised internally by e- mail, poster and by word of mouth.

Roger (anonomised) is the father and main carer of a 33 year old daughter who is has cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user. He receives respite on a regular basis which is provided by the local authority but when he compares the difference between the effects of the statutory provision and the no limits holiday experience he states that there is a world of difference.

The social component associated with the holiday break and the opportunities to do things that he cannot normally do make him feel both mentally and physically better and provide positive memories that he can drawn on when facing the difficult challenges that a full time carer has to cope with.

The following is a quote from the parent of a child with challenging behaviour who took part in the holiday.

“ The holiday was fantastic. The support and understanding from the other carers/parents was unbelievable. Just a week off not having to be worried about your child’s behaviour is a holiday in itself”
As can be seen in the next section, nearly all the people who took part reported that they made new friends. This was particularly noticeable amongst the children some of whom, because of their condition led more isolated lives with few opportunities to engage with their peers and relied mainly on their siblings.

There was clear evidence of children establishing relationships that would lead to interaction outwith the club/holiday environment.

What No Limits has learned

People are more likely to try new things when they see others doing it. Small changes can produce unexpected benefits. When selecting people for groups ensure that there is a fair spread of ability
Top tips No Limits's top tips for an organisation that wants to run a similar project
Tip 1:
Try and keep things simple
Tip 2:
Make sure people are aware of their responsibilities and support them as required
Tip 3:
Have a plan 'B' ready if things don't go to plan