Short Break Stories

REACH Lanarkshire Autism Summer Programme 2016

A story by REACH Lanarkshire Autism

REACH Lanarkshire Autism provided summer activities for children and their families across Lanarkshire living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

We organised their first ever family break to Lego Land Discovery and Wiston Lodge, we also held 2 sensory sessions for children with significant sensory needs both in North and South Lanarkshire.

What REACH Lanarkshire Autism Summer Programme 2016 did

The break took place over the summer holidays 2016, our families headed of on their first ever holiday together. Lego Land Discovery was the perfect choice allowing the families to spend a full day together in a structured and safe environment , families were able to go out for dinner and the children had fun playing in each others hotel rooms at night. The children built friendships with each other which had a positive effect on the whole family reducing the feeling of isolation. Hotel, breakfast, transport, Lego Land Discovery tickets and goody bags were all included in the cost which took a big financial strain away from the carers during the holiday.

To finish off our summer 25 of our teens headed off on a weekend trip to Wiston Lodge, children were able to take part in canoeing, treasure hunts, climbing walls, toasting marshmallows around the camp fire, activities our teens have always wanted to try. We recruited qualified staff to co ordinate the activities and due to the complex needs of our teens were able to provide a higher ratio of staff to children.

We recruited 4 session workers with autism experience to support the teens through out the break, Parents were able to have a break from their caring role knowing their children were having a great time. All board, meals, activities, transport were included in the cost which took a big financial strain away from the carer.

We provided 2 sensory sessions for 20 children with significant sensory and communication needs in both North and South Lanarkshire. Children were able to play on the bouncy castle, ball pool and have full use of the sensory equipment for 2 hours while carers had a break from their caring role. We provided snacks and juice for the children. Children were able to play and have fun over the summer in a safe and structured environment with children who see the world the same as them.

We offerd these sessions free to help reduce the financial strain over the summer.

The children were able to bond together building relationships with children who are in the same circumstances as them. Siblings were able to enjoy the break with peers who can sometimes feel resentful towards their sibling. Over all this trip had a positive impact on the full family no one felt judged or isolated because they were all on holiday together.

Teens were able to develop friendships and learn life skills together, they were able to push themselves to build their self esteem and learn resilience skills, the teens felt more connected after this break.

Carers were able to re charge their batteries while their children were having fun. One of the children Scott said " Can we come next year this was the best holiday ever"
Children were able to bond and build friendships over the summer with children in the same circumstances. Carers were able to have a break from their caring role to re charge their batteries.

What REACH Lanarkshire Autism has learned

The fund made a massive difference to our Organisation we were able to offer more structured activities to children who would have felt really isolated over the summer months. We had an increase in membership over summer 2016 with families asking if we will be doing family trips every year.

We have been able to show photographs at our support groups to show the families that their children can still achieve even with having an Autism Diagnosis. Offering the trips gave the children the base to form friendships which has enabled them to attend our regular teen group to develop their social skills.
Top tips REACH Lanarkshire Autism's top tips for an organisation that wants to run a similar project
Tip 1:
Gathering information from the children and carers is vital to create and tailor a project which is suited to the families needs and abilities
Tip 2:
Offer mini taster sessions to the families to give them an idea of what to expect especially if the children or carers have a diagnosis of Autism this will help reduce any anxieties
Tip 3:
Work closely with the service provider to create a project suited to the needs of your members