Heswall Disabled Children's Holiday Fund is based in Wirral and has been providing a free summer camp for disabled children with a free camp since 1962.
In 2019 we created a flying day in Gloucester with a view to expanding our charity into the South West and help more children. The children and volunteers we met there became a part of our first successful camp at Barton Camp in Somerset in August 2021 and we want your help to keep that project running. Barton Camp has fantastic facilities including outdoor play areas, campfires an accessible sports hall and a swimming pool.
In 2021 Bristol Bears gave the campers a great opportunity to experience new sports. Somerset Orchard Garden taught us how to make fresh apple juice, there was yoga to relax and Launch Pad helped us make pottery to take home and create costumes for drama with Acting Out.
Bristol Beacon created music and we also had a disco on the final night!
Some feedback from 2021:
"We were apprehensive as our son can show some challenging behavior, but those close to him clearly had the patience, resolve and kindness to understand his character and work closely with him so he was able to have a fantastic time.
Knowing he was safe at camp meant we were able to spend valuable days with our two daughters, which we don't have very often and really enjoyed. Our thanks and gratitude to all the team.
Keep up your wonderful work, it has such an amazing impact on not just the children but also the direct and extended families."
"Would like to thank all the volunteers. Liam had an awesome time and made new friends. He's looking forward to next year. A massive thank you!"
"Thomaz had a fantastic time at camp and is telling us all lots of stories all about his adventures. You are all amazing people. Thank your so much."
"A huge thank you to everyone! Alisha had a fabulous week, loved every minute. Thank you for all her experiences and opportunities, the friends she has made. You guys are all awesome."
2022
In 2022 we want to create another free summer camp for these children and to support their families with a much needed break. With your help we hope to add some days out to the week so they can develop their friendships and social skills with new challenges. The children we support are not able to attend other projects, especially overnight, because of the 1:1 care they need so this is very special opportunity and we hope you are able to support us.
We are able to meet those needs through being one of very few Ofsted registered holiday schemes for disabled children. That means we have recruitment, training, safeguarding and care plans in place. We also listen to the aspirations of each child and try to meet their ambitions, whether it is flying a plane, swimming or just being away from home with their peers. A week away from home is a key part of developing independence and confidence and we are there to ensure disability is not a barrier.
Thank you,
Vinny and everyone at Heswall Disabled Children's Holiday Fund