We are pleased to finally share an update on the last week of our summer holiday scheme. This article comes a little later than planned as our team has been catching up on the huge amount of administration that follows such a packed programme once we return to the office.
The final week brought to life everything Enable Ability stands for; creating opportunities, building independence and making lasting memories for young people with disabilities from Portsmouth.
Our final week began with Independent Travel Training on Thursday 21st August, where participants learned practical skills to navigate around the city by bus before some took on the challenge of wakeboarding at the South Coast Wakepark whilst enjoying a barbecue and listening to some great tunes. Our day ended where we enjoyed making some music of our own at The BASE, a new venue situated in the basement of the Portsmouth Guildhall.
We took a long weekend break to enjoy the Victorious Festival, with many of our staff and young people attending across the three days. Back again on Tuesday 26th August, enjoying our annual Sports Day Olympics at Victoria Park, this brings our young people together for friendly competitions in a stunning backdrop. Wednesday 27th August combined culture and entertainment, with a visit to Portsmouth City Museum followed by an afternoon at Game Over retro gaming café. The pace picked up again on Thursday 28th August at Red Spider Climbing in Fareham, where a group of over 20 young people tested themselves on the climbing walls and enjoyed the adventure play ship. Sadly, the summer had to come to an end but on a high, with an incredible trip to Beaulieu’s National Motor Museum, a day filled with exploration, discovery and new experiences.
This final week is a fine example of the impact our charity achieves in the community. These activities do more than fill the school holidays, they change lives, build in confidence and social skills, plus encourage independence; all whilst giving young people opportunities they may never have had otherwise.
It feels particularly fitting to reflect on these achievements in the same week that Enable Ability was recognised with The Community Group Award at the BBC Radio Solent Make a Difference Awards. While we announced winning the award only hours ago, it is important to underline how recognition like this raises awareness of our work, provides accreditation to what we do and highlights the dedication of everyone who makes it possible.
For 75 years, Enable Ability has been working to build a stronger, more inclusive community; this final week of summer activities shows the real impact of that mission in action!
