Highreach Holidays, a charity offering residential breaks for children with disabilities, is proving that the sky’s the limit.
For one week in August, 22 young holidaymakers, aged 8 to 16, headed to Highfield and Brookham School in Liphook. The children, who have various physical and mental disabilities, participated in a wide range of fun and engaging activities, both on-site and during exciting day trips. Highlights included visits to Hollycombe Steam, Paultons Park, a specialist horse riding centre, and a day at West Wittering beach.
At the school, the children took part in a treasure hunt, bushcraft activities, a parade, drumming and dance workshops, and a disco hosted by DJ Dunny. This year's 'jungle' theme had the school decked out with posters, foliage, and handmade jungle animals. Jungle activities at Butser Ancient Farm and the National Trust site of Polesden Lacey also got a roar of approval from the tigerish young holidaymakers.
The holiday, judged outstanding by Ofsted in 2022, has been hosted at Highfield and Brookham since 2018. Each year, half the cost is covered by fundraising within the school community, with 62 volunteers, including 32 former pupils, on hand.
Highfield and Brookham Head, Suzannah Cryer, said: “To witness the sheer joy of the children during such a brilliant week was truly heart-warming and leaves me full of delight for the children here on holiday with us and full of heartfelt admiration for the many volunteers who happily give up their time to ensure the week runs smoothly and is a big success.”