Carers Information Pack - Holidays

If you would like a PDF version of the full pack or individual sections of it, emailed to you please contact us.

Holidays for people who are ill or who have disabilities and their carers need detailed arrangements.  When making arrangements it is advisable to explain your needs fully to any establishment/travel agent etc that you use before making a booking and to confirm all the details in writing to avoid any misunderstanding. You may also find the section ‘Taking a Break’, useful. 

 ACTIVENTURE HOLIDAYS Holidays for children and young people aged 8-18 years with special needs or disabilities at Hindleap Warren, Wych Cross, Ashdown Forest during school holidays. Activities include abseiling, canoeing, environmental studies, archery, orienteering and evening entertainment.  Also operates holiday or respite weeks at Woodrow High House in Buckinghamshire.  www.activenture.org

 BREAK Provides holidays and respite care for children and adults with learning difficulties and families with special needs.  Holiday centres are in Norfolk and the West Country. www.break-charity.org

 CALVERT TRUST CENTRES UK activity centres providing holidays and activities for visitors of all abilities.  The centres have all been designed to cater for people with physical, sensory or learning disability and offer full accessibility.
www.calvert-trust.org.uk

·         Calvert Trust Kielder, Kielder Water, Hexham, Northumberland

·         Calvert Trust Cumbria, Little Crosthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria

·         Calvert Trust Exmoor, Wistlandpound, Kentisbury, North Devon

CRUISING HOLIDAY Cruising Holiday specialise in arranging cruises for people of any age with any type of disability including wheelchair users, guests with sensory impairments, guests requiring Oxygen or Dialysis.  Services include early boarding, transfers with specialised van, boarding, departure assistance, scooter access, hydraulic lifts in swimming pools, accessible tenders, accessible route deck plans, and on board medical facilities. www.cruisingholiday.co.uk

 DISABLED GO A website which provides detailed information about accessing hotels and guest houses, places to eat and drink, places to visit, high street shops and much more. www.disabledgo.com

DISABILITY NOW WEBSITE Accessible holiday directory. Contains details of holiday properties in the United Kingdom as well as Europe and further afield.  Website links to holiday venues are included as well as reviews from people with disabilities and links to other relevant holiday services. www.disabilitynow.org.uk

DISAWAY TRUST Organises group holidays for physically disabled people aged 16 – 80 years in the UK and overseas.  Volunteer helpers are provided for each disabled person but own helpers welcome.  www.disaway.co.uk

 HOLIDAYS WITH HELP Arranges regular group holidays as well as individual holidays with trained and experienced helpers.   Holidays with Help is a member of Holidays for All consortium - a group of the UK's leading disability charities and specialist tour companies working together to promote equality, accessible holidays and flexibility for disabled and visually impaired holiday makers.  www.holidayswithhelp.org.uk

 HOTELS AND GUESTHOUSES Many local hotels and guesthouses offer holiday accommodation suitable for people who have additional needs.  It is important that you explain what your needs are, before making a firm booking, to ensure that the accommodation will be suitable for you. 

 JEAN CARR CHARITABLE TRUST May be able to assist West Sussex residents aged over 60 years and on low incomes with funding for a holiday or travel expenses to visit distant relatives. 

 KENSINGTON FOUNDATION DAISY CHAIN PROJECT A respite holiday programme for families who have children who are sick or who have  special needs.  www.kensingtonfoundation.com

 LIVABILITY Livability is a charity offering a holiday service for physically disabled people, their friends and families.  Operates several hotels and a variety of self-catering accommodations across UK.  www.livability.org.uk 

OPEN BRITAIN RADAR has merged its holiday and tourism guides with Tourism for All, and has created a new information resource for disabled people. www.openbritain.net

RADAR National disability organisation campaigning for disabled people's rights and full integration into society.  Can provide information about holidays and produce a number of publications.  www.radar.org.uk

 THERAPEUTIC HOLIDAYS CENTRE Charity offering holidays in Greece for people with learning difficulties and social adjustment problems.  Activities include riding, trekking, swimming and occupational therapy.  www.therapeutic-holidays.org.gr

 TOURISM FOR ALL (incorporating Holiday Care) Provides information to people with disabilities and older people in relation to accessible accommodation and other tourism services.  www.tourismforall.org.uk

 TRAVEL INSURANCE Getting travel insurance can be a concern if the person travelling or on whom the trip depends, is an older person or has a medical condition.  A number of companies specialise in either giving information or providing travel insurance for circumstances such as this.  Tourism for All can provide information on specialist insurers, or you may like to try ICIS. 

VITALISE (PREVIOUSLY WINGED FELLOWSHIP TRUST) Provides holidays for disabled people and breaks for carers at 5 holiday centres in Britain.  Also provides breaks with care overseas, holidays with sighted guides for people with a visual impairment and accessible family lodges.  Has regular weeks specifically for people with dementia and their carers. www.vitalise.org.uk

This page was last updated 18/04/2012