Summary
This project delivered 3 residential adventure trips for youngsters with additional support needs and took place in the Aviemore, Glenmore area. Each were for a duration of 3 nights and included the youngsters, their families and carers. We provided walking, exploring and leadership skills.
What Residential experiences for disabled youngsters, their families and carers did
We delivered 3 residential experiences, 2 based at Glenmore Lodge and 1 at Badaguish, Aviemore. The activities included navigation using both maps and symoled photographs, team working using parachute games and rope work. We explored the are using all terrain wheelchairs with trips to Ryvone Bothy, Loch Morlich and surrounding forest tracks. The participants ranged from the youngsters themselves, sibling carers, parent carers and cares. The three trips took place in August and December 2018 and March 2019. There were some cares who did not come along. It has been reported that they benefited hugely from the break. Some had time away on their own enjoying the respite from the daily routine of caring for the youngsters. This being a very rare occurrence whereby the break gave them time to themselves. The recruitment of beneficiaries took the form of : Trip 1 was two families that are known to us. Both families included the youngsters, one wheelchair user who benefited from using the All Terrain wheelchair, their siblings and their parents who are the carers. The second was the same set up, this time one of the youngsters has severe complex needs. The third was a group of school friends who attended with carers and one parent. The other parents took the opportunity to enjoy a break away. The Better Breaks priorities that were covered were: P1: Complex needs P2: Sports and active leisure P3: Independence and P4: Transition to adulthood. The particular successes from these trips were each and every youngster learned more about themselves, that they could venture into the outdoors and be safe, they explored places that they thought only existed in photographs and had time in a completely new environment. The most significant successes were that two families are now fundraising to purchase an All Terrain wheelchair so that they themselves can explore and venture into the outdoors and three of the families are looking to make similar trips at least once a year. Yes the project went to plan.
What Paradventures has learned
We have learned that there is a real gap in peoples lives by having never experienced such a break. Through the school work we do we will be reaching out to other families and looking to apply for funding to make this happen again.
How Paradventures has benefitted from the funding
This grant and the breaks have strengthened our reputation, shown that we can deliver with groups other than schools and strengthened our ability to take on this type of work.
Project Outcomes
Outcome
Young people will have more confidence whilst back in their own communities.
Results
Every youngster who took part in, new to them, outdoor activities now realises that they can do activities outwith their normal day to day life and be part of society.
Case study
Aaron who has severe and complex needs going on a journey in an environment like this, traveling in an all terrain wheelchair from Glenmore Lodge to Ryvone Bothy in snow was incredible. He was with his family doing an activity that would never have been thought possible.
Outcome
Carers will have time to pursue other activities whilst the youngsters are pursuing more interests
Results
This is an interesting one because carers go about their daily routine. For them to get involved with the youngsters in the outdoors has meant that they now have the confidence to enjoy their own outdoor activities, going for a walk, rather than always sitting in front of the TV. I believe a number of them will now take this further.
Case study
One family we took away have been with us before but the father had never been with his daughter in the outdoors. He joined us and pushed her in the All Terrain wheelchair and is now desperately keen to try more adventures with his daughter.
Outcome
During these family breaks everyone will get the chance to recharge batteries, develop links with families with like children, share stories, experiences and knowledge.
Results
The August group of two families had an absolute ball. They had never been anywhere like Glenmore Lodge, they are still raving about it. They spent the whole time exchanging stories, comparing notes and the activities have encouraged them to plan for another trip this year.
Case study
As described above, these two families have youngsters with addition support needs. The positive change is that instead of the mums trying to get involved with the youngsters now, as a result of this trip the dads are now involved which has had a positive impact on the family units.
Outcome
They will feel better in themselves because they have taken part in outdoor activities.
Results
Every parent and carer was visibly upbeat after taking part in the activities. The difference in them was incredible. This goes for all three trips and everyone involved.
Case study
The case study would need to be with the December group. The Ramsey and his family had such an incredible time that they are looking to make this an annual event where they go to Glenmore Lodge in December and enjoy the great outdoors no mater the weather. The whole experience for the this family is still a talking point and especially with the All Terrain wheelchair which has meant that they can all go instead of splitting up where some go for a walk whilst others stay back with Aaron.
Outcome
I did not have a 5th outcome but:
Yes, by us carrying out these trips it has raised awareness and I can see this industry growing through people seeing what can be achieved.
Results
With the beneficiaries in this project talking to other families I am getting inquiries about other family group trips. This is a clear sign that others are looking to try venturing into the outdoors.
Case study
One mother and son on the March 2019 trip had never before this ventured into any outdoor environment. Now, having been and tried and engaged with us they are inquiring through his school about running parent and child school residential experiences with us. I can see this mother leading this innovative project for other family units like hers where there is child with additional support needs.