Activity breaks
Last year, through
an enormous fundraising effort, Orchard House managed to provide a supported
activity break for some of the young people it caters for. These included
outdoor activities such as rock climbing and rafting. At first, there was scepticism from some parties
as to whether these children could really cope with such activities, as many
find great difficulty with new experiences, too much stimulation or with being
in a group.
However, the results were amazing. Many of the more introverted young people came out of their shells, others learnt new skills and for one boy a worrying habit of refusing to eat away from home was finally broken. The socialising between young people increased dramatically and they have all developed lasting relationships with each other and the staff.
Rockinghorse wants to provide activity breaks for all the remaining children who were unable experience them last time. The positive effects of the last break are just too good to deny other children. They can really make a difference.
What do these breaks involve?
Isle of Wight
The first trip will be to the Isle of Wight, where eight young people will go for a mid-week multi-activity break, including activities such as rock climbing and sailing. The young people will each be accompanied by a carer and so eight staff will travel with them. The break would be organised by a reputable provider of educational and activity courses called PGL. PGL caters for all levels of disability, including wheelchair users and other physical disabilities. The organisation’s instructors are fantastic with the young people and Orchard House is keen to use them again.
France
The second break for the remaining children will be to France and for many of the children it will be their first experience of travelling abroad. Ten of the young people will attend and again, each would be accompanied by one carer.
This break will include a further variety of activities such as archery, high ropes activities and even a high trapeze. These physical activities will be a great change from the young people’s normal routines, a chance to interact with others and see new people and places. Again, the break will be organised by PGL, which has a centre near Paris.
To allow eight children to go on each of the trips (16 children in total), Rockinghorse needs to raise a total of £18,896.
To donate money to this project or to find out how you can get involved, contact us on 01273 330044.
