This summer, All Aboard SEND embarked on an inspiring journey, taking two groups of young people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) on an unforgettable four-day holiday to Pendarren House, nestled in the breathtaking Brecon Beacons of Wales.
Over the two weeks, the 13 teenagers created memories, built friendships, and experienced new adventures – many of them for the very first time.
All Aboard SEND, a newly formed community interest company, provides holiday and after-school clubs and residentials for young people with disabilities in Haringey and its neighbouring boroughs. This holiday marked the start of an exciting partnership between All Aboard SEND and Horizons, paving the way for more holidays and opportunities for young people with SEND.
The trip offered a variety of activities, including zip wiring, bush craft, canoeing, and a seaside excursion. For many of the children, this was a chance to step out of their comfort zones and explore the outdoors in ways they never thought possible.
One student, with the help of Pendarren’s off-road wheelchair, dipped her toes in the ocean for the very first time.
While these students see each other daily at their special schools, this holiday gave them a rare opportunity to bond socially outside the classroom. “It was like one big sleepover,” said Tony Millard of All Aboard SEND.
For families of young people with SEND, the holiday was as much a gift to them as it was to their children. For two families, All Aboard SEND extended the invitation to include siblings, offering parents a complete respite. One mother shared that she went out for a meal with her friends and for the first time could “totally relax” as she knew she did not have to wake up early the next morning.
Parents entrusted their children to All Aboard SEND with confidence, knowing that the staff were familiar faces who also supported them in school. One parent, amazed by the achievements of her child, shared, “When I saw the video of my daughter on the zip wire, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Unbelievable!” Moments like these highlight the importance of creating opportunities for children to shine and surpass expectations.
The success of this trip was a collective effort. A heartfelt thank you goes to the Vale School for lending their minibus and providing additional support for the holiday.
As All Aboard SEND reflects on this incredible journey, they are already planning future adventures. The goal is clear: to continue empowering young people with SEND to embrace new experiences, foster friendships, and create memories that last a lifetime.
If you’d like to learn more about All Aboard SEND’s initiatives or support their work, get in touch. Together, we can empower more young people to unlock their vast potential and discover the world around them, one unforgettable journey at a time.
