From Monday 27th April to Friday 1st May 2026, individuals and staff from Fernside, Woodside, and Oakside came together for a much-anticipated holiday to Butlin’s Minehead.

With a mix of excitement, curiosity, and a few pre-trip nerves, the week turned into a truly memorable experience filled with laughter, teamwork, and new opportunities for everyone involved.

Getting There

The journey to Minehead took just under 2 hours 40 minutes, with scenic views making for a relaxed start to the trip. The return journey was a little longer—just over 3 hours due to traffic—but spirits remained high after such a positive week.

Settling In!

The group stayed in **West Lake Chalets**, with individuals in adapted comfort apartments and staff in adapted comfort rooms. While the accommodation provided essential accessibility features such as wet rooms and nearby Changing Places facilities, it also offered valuable learning points for future trips.
Despite some practical challenges around room size and equipment setup, the team worked together to ensure everyone was comfortable and supported throughout the stay.
We hired hoists and profile beds from Hickleys Healthcare.
Details are:
Tel: 01823 328555
Website: Hickleys Healthcare & Mobility

A Week Full of Activities

There was no shortage of things to do! Each day offered a wide variety of activities, allowing individuals to choose what interested them most. Highlights included:

Live shows including Skyline Gang, puppet shows, and the fantastic “Mythical Beasts”
Special Fireman Sam themed events
Silent disco and themed evenings
Swimming sessions with waves and rapids
Arts and crafts, including hands-on creative sessions
Funfair rides, arcades, bowling, and the play park

Some activities were pre-booked, while others allowed for a more flexible, “go with the flow” approach—ensuring the week remained person-centred and responsive to individual preferences.

Food and Mealtimes 🍽️

The group was on a half-board plan, with breakfast and dinner included. The dining area was just a short walk away and offered:

A wide range of food choices suitable for different needs
Plenty of fork-mashable options, reducing the need for adapted preparation
Supportive staff who provided a quieter, dedicated space for the group

This made mealtimes both enjoyable and manageable for everyone.

Reflections & Feelings

As with any trip, there were initial feelings of apprehension—making sure everything was packed, planning logistics, and wondering how the week would unfold.

However, these feelings quickly turned into:

Excitement as activities began
Confidence as the team adapted to challenges
Pride in seeing individuals enjoy new experiences
Joy in shared moments, particularly during shows and group activities

Staff described it as a real privilege to support individuals in experiencing a holiday like this.

What Went Well ✅

There were many positives throughout the week:

A huge variety of activities, ensuring something for everyone
Friendly and helpful resort staff
Excellent entertainment, especially the Mythical Beasts show and silent disco
Accessible swimming sessions and nearby Changing Places facilities
Great staff teamwork, with a strong skill mix and additional daytime support
Opportunities for individuals to try new things and build confidence

Challenges & Learning Points

While the holiday was a success, it also highlighted areas for improvement:

Some accommodation wasn’t ideally suited for hoists and wheelchairs
Limited lift access in busy venues meant longer waiting times
Arts and crafts sessions needed better accessibility setup
The swimming changing facilities required moving between buildings
Managing a large group across multiple locations was sometimes challenging

These experiences will help shape even better trips in the future.

Looking Ahead 🌟

If planning another holiday like this, the team would:

Book separate arrangements for each home to improve flexibility. With all homes on one booking it was difficult to make separate booking for activities dependant on individual’s needs.
Bring additional resources such as waterproof bags, clearer packing lists, packing hand soap and water bottles to stay hydrated