When Lukas’ mother asked whether his support team might be able to arrange a visit to his grandma in Albufeira, they embraced the challenge. After all, Making things happen is one of Achieve together’s core values.
Discussing the idea with Lukas, they identified that the holiday would be enhanced if housemates from his supported living accommodation in Surrey accompanied him. Lewis and Ollie were keen to go, and the planning began.
They looked at possible hotels together and the support team explained different board options giving the three men choice and control over decisions. The trio universally agreed that all-inclusive would suit best. It meant that they could eat and drink when they wanted to and not have to cook! Next, they looked at what they could do each day in the area, also fitting in a visit to Gran and Mum.
Getting ready
Ollie, Lukas and Lewis have lived in the same house together for around 10 years and share interests such as drama and football. Two of them have studio flats next door to each other and the house is quite social. Four or five people often gather for a cup of tea and a chat.
The paperwork for a trip such as this is a huge task. Cost estimates, planning and booking daily outings, risk assessments, insurance, checking medication, foreign currency exchange and general preparations kept everyone busy!
Also, although Lukas had flown relatively recently Lewis had never been abroad without his mum and Ollie hadn’t been for many years. Support Workers Joanna, Becky and Krystyna made sure they were ready for the journey. They also supported the ‘lads on tour’. Joanna said: “We had to plan very thoroughly and made a daily planner so that everyone would know what was coming up. We made sure we did something every day, but not too much so there was plenty of relaxation time as well.”
Liaising with Lukas’ family, they arranged which day worked best for him to visit his Gran and Mum yet still be able take part in all of the other activities.
Watersports and dolphins
Outings included a visit to the water park, a dolphin-spotting boat ride, a visit to Zoo Marine and beach watersports. Joanna explains: “They all tried lots of new things, for example Oliver had a go at parasailing even though it was a major step for him as he’s afraid of heights. He loved it!
“Lewis went on the inflatable sofa towed behind a boat and came off laughing.”
On the boat trip, everyone got wet sitting at the back but thoroughly enjoyed the soaking. “They were buzzing that they saw dolphins in their natural habitat,” recalls Joanna. “The next day we arranged a dolphin experience at Zoo Marine, where the dolphins swam up to the side of the pool.”
Relaxing and making friends
While at the hotel, gregarious Lukas said hello to other guests and the group joined in with football and pool ball games. “The hotel staff and other guests were very friendly and welcoming including singing karaoke with us,” recounts Joanna.
The all-inclusive choice proved to be a big hit. Additionally, Lewis, Ollie and Lukas each went independently to the bar to order themselves drinks. “It showed how comfortable and happy they were, even though they were in a foreign country with people they don’t know,” explains Home Manager Mike. “While Ollie is very independent and goes into the local town of Redhill every day, Lewis is more of a worrier and often wants support due to his anxiety. This encouraging experience gives them more confidence for future holidays.”
Halo effect
Even the 8½ hour delay to the flight home didn’t mar the holiday bliss. Becky, Joanna and Krystyna successfully kept everyone occupied and amused at the airport. The halo effect has also continued into everyday life, with Ollie displaying more ‘get up and go’ and the others smiling more.
There’s already talk of where they will go next year and another of their housemates has expressed an interest in joining the party.
It all goes to show what can be achieved with planning and positive risk taking.
