Children with various special needs enjoy a positive residential at Bendrigg Lodge taking part in outdoor activities to promote inclusion, independence and well being.
A group of thirteen 11 year olds from Timperley, Greater Manchester, went for an adventurous time at Bendrigg Lodge in Cumbria.
These are children with severe learning difficulties and conditions such as global developmental delay, epilepsy, autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy and genetic disorders, but also facing further challenges living in poorer socio-economic conditions. Daily challenges that really impacts their opportunities for many of the life and leisure activities that help unlock their true potential, so this trip set out to change all that and open up all the benefits that taking part in outdoor activities can bring.
Ryan Sinclair is the Cheif Exec of Happy Days Charity who organised the residential “We wanted to give these children a chance to experience the great outdoors, try new activities and grow in ways they never thought possible. Our goal was to boost their confidence, independence, and social skills through fun and challenging activities tailored just for them.”
Happy Days work with local communities right across the UK to provide vital respite breaks for individuals, families and groups who support children with a wide range of additional needs. By linking in with Bendrigg Lodge it meant that all the activities are designed to help the children learn new skills, promote education, inclusion, independence and self motivation. Even those with the most complex needs can find new ways to shine.
They applied to the Alpkit Foundation for some support and an award of £300 was used as part of ensuring all the children could access it regardless of financial status. From teamwork exercises to facing personal challenges it meant that they learned to work together, took on new challenges and grew more confident in themselves while creating important experiences.
Looking back on the trip Ryan let us know the impact it made.
“They had an amazing time and tackled each challenge with determination. Most of the group had never been away from their families but they enjoyed time with their friends in a fun environment, whilst their families were able to have some important respite.
With the physical activities and good food it benefitted the children’s health and well being, with the children being able to experience activities they would not normally have the opportunity to do because of their disabilities and behavioural challenges. This had a huge impact on their self confidence and self esteem.”
Find out more about the incredible work of Happy Days Charity.