Two pioneering young people from our Children’s Home service have become the first we’ve supported to go on a holiday with our staff members.

An established offering within our Young Adult Provision, holidays being delivered for the young people living and learning with us in our Children’s Home was an aspiration set by Prior’s Court more than a year ago.

And in June, young people Daniel and Harry achieved this aspiration with the incredible support of staff members at Prior’s Court – both in the run-up to the holiday and during the time away itself.

Daniel and Harry each stayed at lodges at Blackwood Forest, with the support of staff members Arinze, Shelly, Tim, Tomson, Stephen and Bonfils. During his time away, Daniel visited Bournemoth Pier and the beach and had a great time in the lodge's hot tub while Harry had a wonderful time on a seaside visit too.

Lisa Pothecary, Prior's Court Children's Home Registered Manager, said: “This achievement cannot be underestimated. Recognising that we all need that time away from our regular day-to-day lives and that some of our young people have not had the opportunity of holidays with either their families or at Prior’s Court, this was an aspiration we desperately wanted to try. 

"Harry, Daniel and this amazing team of staff members – those helping the trip directly and the supporting management team - have led the way and now set a precedent for future adventures

"For any young person the change of an environment and all that that can bring to our sensory experiences, different routines, sharing space with different people and many more factors can all be an unknown. Daniel and Harry have made huge journeys in their time with us and this achievement just tops it all off. It is remarkable.”

Harry's holiday experience, written by Prior's Court Autism Practitoner Shelly

"Harry had such an amazing time on his first ever holiday with Prior's Court, this was such a massive achievement for Harry and everyone is so proud of how well he has done. 

"Harry was so excited about staying in the holiday home in the forest, when we arrived, he was shown his room and he was very excited about his big double bed! 

"Harry enjoyed a trip to the seaside and a yummy barbecue for dinner. He enjoyed exploring and taking everything in.

"Harry did so well with everything and It was so heartwarming to see how far Harry has come over the years."

Harry's mum's view

Harry's mum Sue said: "We are so proud of Harry and how well he managed his first holiday for a while. The team at Prior's Court have again been amazing, making all the plans, preparing Harry for the trip and having the foresight and patience to make it a trip to remember. 

Daniel's holiday experience, written by Prior's Court Autism Practitoner Tomson

"Upon arrival, Daniel explored each room with a big smile, clearly excited about his new surroundings. When asked which bedroom he wanted, he confidently headed straight upstairs and told staff he wanted to sleep - before long, he was happily tucked under the duvet, smiling. 

"One of the highlights of the holiday was a trip to Bournemouth Pier, where Daniel was overjoyed to jump into the sea with support from staff. 

"After the seaside adventure, the group returned to the Forest Holiday homes and prepared a barbecue which Daniel thoroughly enjoyed - he tucked in and even asked for more! The day ended with some well-deserved relaxation, as Daniel jumped into the hot tub and stayed in for over 45 minutes, grinning from ear to ear. 

"It was heartwarming to see him so happy. 

"We truly appreciate everyone who went above and beyond to make Daniel’s trip such a special and successful experience."

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