Each holiday is planned around the needs and interests of holidaymakers. Activities could include swimming, horse-riding, visits to local attractions, canoeing, dry-slope ski-ing, meals out, nights in the pub – the possibilities are endless!

The holidays take place in July and August throughout England and Wales. Accommodation ranges from outdoor activity centres, to cottages, farms and barns, to villas, and even barges! Holidays are residential and usually start either on a Friday or Saturday.

We accept applications from people with a dual-sensory impairment. We are also occasionally able to offer a holiday place to people with a single-sensory impairment with an additional disability. However, our holidays are increasingly popular and people with a dual-sensory impairment will have priority.

Each holiday is managed by one or more experienced and skilled holiday leaders supported by a team of volunteers. Our volunteers are carefully recruited and checked, including enhanced CRB disclosure, and are fully prepared for the holiday.

The ratio of volunteers to holidaymakers is at least one to one and usually more.

We know from what holidaymakers and their families tell us, that the holidays have a huge impact.

Here’s what our holidaymakers say:

"I went on a holiday that made me relaxed and gave me a sense of independence. I experienced many different things for the first time and I also enjoyed activities I loved."

"I enjoyed everything – the place, the people and the fun things to do!"

“I can relax and have fun, away from home and family, and get to do lots of exciting and interesting things with lovely people."

Holidays also give parents and carers a well earned break

"I relaxed knowing my son was getting the care he needs and having lots of fun."

"We felt our daughter had a lovely holiday which she will remember for a long time. She looks at her scrap book and giggles at the photos - so it was a fun week!"

Holidays 2013 – the best it’s ever been!

This year we have organised another really exciting holiday programme. As ever, we have a full range of locations and activities on offer, including some fantastic new venues.

For full information on the programme, please download the holidays brochure and application pack for 2013, or get in touch with the Holidays Team using the contact details below.

Please note that completed application forms and wish lists should be returned to us by Friday 15 February 2013.

Download:

• Holidays brochure (PDF 1.4MB)

• Application covering letter (DOC 30KB)

• Overview of Sense holidays 2012 (DOC 191KB)

• Guidelines for completing the application form (DOC 183KB)

• Application form and wish list (DOC 410KB)

Please note that places for the summer 2013 programme are now fully allocated. The Holidays Team would be happy to discuss with you the possibility of joining the waiting list for a holidays place this summer and can make sure you receive details of the 2014 programme, available from December 2013.

Further information

If you would like to receive the information in an alternative format or if you would like to talk further about the holidays programme please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Holidays team on:

Tel 0845 127 0060
Fax 0845 127 0061
Textphone 0845 127 0062
Email holidays@sense.org.uk

Volunteering

If you are interested in volunteering on our holidays, please visit our volunteering section.

Volunteering is a great way to meet people, try new challenges, explore new ways of communicating and visit new places, as well as experiencing a unique sense of achievement.