We are a Dorset based charity, providing supported holidays for local people from Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, who are living with a disability.
We are open to holiday requests from people with a wide range of disabilities. When we receive your holiday request, we arrange to visit you at your home to assess your needs. This is to ensure that we can provide the care and support that you will need whilst on your holiday.
During your holiday, any care and support that you need will be provided by a friendly and dedicated team of volunteers who stay alongside you for the week. As we provide your care and support, your regular carer can benefit from a week’s respite, knowing that your needs are being met whilst you are enjoying your holiday.
Our groups are small. On each holiday week there will usually be four or five holidaymakers, staying together with a team of five or six residential volunteers.
We aim to organise six one-week holidays a year, typically between May and September.
Our holidays are based at Wraxall Yard, situated in the peaceful hamlet of Lower Wraxall, near Dorchester. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Wraxall Yard is a beautifully transformed set of previously derelict barns, adapted to the highest of standards to provide accessible accommodation for people living with disabilities.
The site is at the centre of an organic family farm and also features a livestock barn and workshop for visitors to get involved in farming and wildlife activities.
The surrounding fields, wetlands and riverbank are there for holiday makers to relax and enjoy, as well as explore and study the environment in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
We ask you to find your own way to Wraxall Yard, but once you have arrived, we will take care of everything until you are picked up again at the end of the holiday.
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Our holidays are all about meeting new friends and having fun whilst sharing a week of outings, activities, and great food. There will be opportunities to explore the stunning Dorset countryside and visit local tourist attractions and events. You can enjoy musical entertainment, have a go at some art or craft, maybe treat yourself to a pamper session or just spend time relaxing and chatting. No two holidays are ever the same as the group decide together what they would like to do but one ingredient is guaranteed: lots of laughter! There may also be a few tears on the last morning as group members bid an emotional farewell to one another, taking with them fond memories of a wonderful week.
We fund most of the cost of each holiday and just ask for a nominal payment from holidaymakers, ensuring it is affordable for all.
If you are interested in applying for a holiday, please either complete an enquiry form or call our coordinator for a chat.
“Thank you for such a super holiday. A break that is so welcome and valuable, unique and well appreciated. I loved the gentle calming environment, the chatter and laughter, the activities, and of course, the wonderful care and the food!” (Carol)
“The holiday was the most wonderful experience, and the volunteer carers were exceptional.” (Janet)
“I was excited about going on holiday but also quite nervous as I was going by myself and didn’t know anyone. However, when I got there and met the other holidaymakers and volunteers my worries disappeared. There’s not enough space to talk about all the things we did but the highlights have to be boat trips around Poole Harbour and to Wareham, the company and the delicious food.” (William)