The latest video in our Adventure for All series follows the lovely Bancroft Family. We asked them to share “a life in the day of the Bancrofts” and captured their recent residential to Bendrigg with PHAB families.

“For anyone with 3 young boys, life can be tough, but when you have a child with additional needs, things can become much more of a challenge” – Lisa, Mum

Archie, aged 11, has a rare genetic condition called Cri Du Chat syndrome. Learning difficulties, poor muscle tone & a high-pitched cat like tone of voice are amongst a few of the symptoms caused by this condition.

Over time, Lisa (Mum) and Matt (Dad), have built up a great network of support through attending various clubs, activities and Cri Du Chat conferences which has helped them to feel less isolated and build confidence as a family.

Phab Clubs

Phab has been providing inclusive opportunities for disabled and non-disabled people of all ages since 1957.  There are around 150 Phab Clubs across England and Wales, some meeting weekly, where people can enjoy each other’s company and take part in a wide range of activities and social events such as crafts, discos, sport, music, games, theatre visits or trips out.

Phab also provides a programme of exciting Residential Holiday Projects for families, children, young people and young adults, many of which are held at Bendrigg Trust. Whilst being away from home, either for a weekend or a week, everyone can make the most of the outdoor activities on offer, build their self-esteem, confidence and independence, make friends and have a huge amount of fun!

To find out more about the amazing Phab Holiday Projects or to see where your nearest Phab Club is then please go to our website www.phab.org.uk or call Rebecca Hargreaves (National Projects Manager) on 01254 824784

Riding For The Disabled

Riding For The Disabled (RDA) is a nationwide project which aims to enrich lives through horses. Run entirely by volunteers, RDA provides therapy, fitness, skills development and opportunities for achievement through horse and carriage rides.

They welcome clients with physical and learning disabilities and autism, and there are no age restrictions. With centres located all across the UK you can use the search tool by clicking on their website below to find a group that’s local to you.

www.rda.org.uk/rda-groups

Tom Cat Trikes

In the video you may remember seeing Archie smiling from ear to ear, riding along on a fabulous Tom Cat Trike. Going out on the bikes is a great activity for all the family, but for the Bancroft’s and probably many other families, purchasing an adaptive trike is only possible with some financial support.

The Tom Cat Trikes have a great page on their website which tells you about funding organisations that may be able to help towards the cost of a Tom Cat Trike.

www.tomcatuk.org/support-with-funding

Bendrigg Trust Family Weekends

It was wonderful to see all of the families from PHAB enjoying taking park in our adventure activities TOGETHER. Did you know that we run open family weekends where families with a disabled member (Parent or/and child) can come to Bendrigg for a fully inclusive weekend of FUN!

Check out the dates & prices for our upcoming family weekends here : www.bendrigg.org.uk/what-we-do/family-courses/

Check out the other videos from our Adventure For All series here : 

www.bendrigg.org.uk/news-events/adventure-for-all/