In June, eleven of our amazing fostering families who care for children with disabilities were treated to fun-filled weekend breaks at Centre Parcs.

Families came from all across the country, including South and East London, the West Midlands, East Midlands, and the North West, to enjoy some rest and quality time together at the beautiful Woburn (Bedfordshire) and Sherwood Forest (Nottinghamshire) Parcs.

This was the third year that we have arranged these special getaways for families whose children may not always be able to join in with other TACT activities, and this time, it was extra special. 17 people took part in the weekend at Woburn and 20 at Sherwood Forest. It was the first time two separate weekends were arranged to make travel easier, and the first time Centre Parcs was used as the venue.

Centre Parcs turned out to be the perfect setting, with accessible lodges and a huge range of activities for the children to try out. The relaxed environment gave families the chance to spend quality time together and create some lovely memories.

Feedback from carers was really positive, with many expressing how much they appreciated TACT living its values and giving children and carers the chance to enjoy something a little different:

“I wish to thank TACT for arranging myself and the young person to attend Sherwood Forest Centre Parc. We had a great time. This was our first time and we enjoyed every minute of the stay, and taking part in the different activities and food. Thanks once again.”

“We really cannot thank you enough for such a wonderfully amazing experience. Centre Parcs had so much on offer and the surroundings full of nature and peace. You all put in such consideration to meeting the needs of everybody who went and especially the children with disabilities. The use of the electric bed and the adapted kitchen were brilliant, as DH could easily assist in a preparing meals and had the independence of getting in and out of bed, and making her way to the adapted bathroom with ease. Getting around with wheelchair was easy as there were plenty of pathways on the grounds, and a tonne of activities on site. 

“We also enjoyed the restaurant options too!  Some of us carers met up for lunch which was nice and everybody seemed relaxed, enjoying the scenery.  TACT went above and beyond for the children with disabilities, my mother who came to support us was so impressed with what you did for CWD, she had said she will be encouraging any current foster carer and any potential foster carer to look into TACT.”

A huge thank you to our Yorkshire and the North East team, whose hard work made these weekends such a success. From making sure the lodges met everyone’s needs to sorting out travel and answering questions, they made the whole experience smooth and stress free for everyone involved.

Alister Brown
TACT’s Operational Director of Children’s Services