Greggs Foundation funds adventure holiday for children
We were delighted to find out that our bid for £2000 to the Greggs Foundation was successful and we were able to take 8 children on a three-day holiday to the Calvert Trust activity centre in Kielder.
Activities were arranged by the Calvert trust for the children to participate in, including Canoeing; zip slide/indoor wall climbing; the Velcro Olympics and the King Swing, a swing that can be raised to around 10 metres in the air and its descent controlled by the individuals on it, the favourite activity by far! Each activity aimed to improve confidence and independence in a fun yet challenging way. 
The children, four from Newcastle and four from South Tyneside have all been part of our Children and Families Service, which provides support to families where a child or parent is blind or visually impaired.
For some children this was their first trip without their parents or carers, which added a new dimension to their development of independence and confidence. With the support of the excellent staff from the Calvert Trust, the children were able to tackle the activities, which for some had never before been attempted, and all felt they had triumphed by being able to scale an indoor wall or boulder or man a canoe on their own or as part of a team. As well as physical achievements, the children also developed essential skills in managing their free time and maintaining friendships.
Alex Woods aged 7 said ‘I have enjoyed coming to the Calvert Trust and taking part in activities, I feel proud of myself and the others’.
The whole experience has been one that everyone is eager to repeat and Emma Croft, Support Officer here at Henshaws said ‘The trip to the Calvert Trust has been fantastic, not only have the children had a unique and exciting break, but have gained confidence and built upon their independence in a safe and secure environment, our thanks to the Calvert Trust and to the Greggs Foundation for making this trip possible’
Visit http://www.calvert-trust.org.uk/ for more info on the Calvert Trust.
