Woolacombe holiday 2020

16 November 2020

Swimming, a boat trip and a visit to Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park were just some of the activities enjoyed by supported living tenants on their holiday to Woolacombe in October.

The sun was shinning, masks were packed and plans were made in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines. The holiday to Woolacombe was much anticipated and was a much needed getaway from the difficulties of the last few months, giving everyone who went something to look forward to.

The holiday was part of a range of ways we are working hard to support people with their health and wellbeing this autumn and winter, after a hugely difficult year.

Keeping to their usual household groups, the supported living tenants set off for Woolacombe, Devon.

Martha Gathercole, one of our support workers, tells us a little bit about their break.

‘We had a lovely time and the guys definitely enjoyed it.

‘It was a different holiday to last year due to COVID-19, but all of the people we support handled it really well and were good at following the rules. They loved being away and kept to their bubbles. They also really enjoyed swimming.

‘On the Wednesday, it was Dan’s birthday and the guys in his bubble went to the Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park for the day and they all loved it. They saw so many different animals and had a great day.

‘Dan said he’d had a lovely birthday and loved seeing the Meerkats’.

‘On the Thursday, Gemma, Isabel, Tim and I went to Arlington Court National Trust gardens and carriage museum.

‘We met Wendy, Maddy and Kevin there and had a nice walk round.

‘They enjoyed this and the weather was lovely. They wore their masks when in the carriage museum and did well following the rules.

‘When we got in the car to drive home on the Friday, Isabel, Gemma and Harry all said how much they loved it and said they wanted to go again next year. It was definitely a success!’

‘Meanwhile, one of the other bubbles enjoyed a boat trip around the various harbours of Combe Martin, learning about the history of smuggling in the area, the welsh raiding the silver mines and Hanging Island, named after a shepherd who accidently hung himself.

‘Everyone enjoyed the boat trip especially Sean as he loves exciting things and when we were nipping through the water he had great fun!’

Holidays such as these are an important part of the support that we provide at Minstead Trust and as we focus on health and wellbeing, we know that these experiences help people to keep happy and healthy.

Find out what else we are doing to support people to be happy and health this winter.