By Rachel Furniss, Best Practice Facilitator
As a Best Practice Facilitator at MacIntyre, I get to hear about a lot of holidays and see the joy and excitement of people. I recently visited Sam at home on the morning he was heading off on holiday. Seeing his excitement before he left was a great reminder that, when advocacy, co production and person centred planning come together, a great holiday starts long before the suitcase is packed.
Sam uses simple words, short phrases and gestures to communicate. He also needs time to process what people say, alongside visual cues such as symbols and a visual timetable. Over time, the people around him have learnt to recognise his gestures, expressions and reactions, helping them understand what he enjoys, what reassures him and what helps him feel settled.
Working closely alongside his family, every part of the trip is planned together as one team. They have carefully selected a small number of familiar holiday destinations, including a favourite log cabin near Hull. Having familiar places to choose from means holidays feel exciting without becoming overwhelming. At the same time, the team is careful not to rely on one destination too much. Mixing between a small number of familiar places, and keeping each stay to four nights, helps maintain the balance between the comfort of routine and the opportunity for different experiences. Sam now enjoys a short holiday every four months, which he always looks forward to.
Sam travels with both his family and members of his staff team, so the people around him are familiar wherever he goes. His parents stay for the whole holiday, and many of the routines that matter most stay exactly the same. Sam shares a room with his dad, and they spend time together throughout the holiday, and enjoy meals as a family.
Every detail reflects what matters to Sam. He travels in his adapted vehicle, packs the things he enjoys most and keeps the same daily routines as he has at home. Even the choice of holiday accommodation is influenced by one of his favourite things: a hot tub. Sam doesn't want to get in it; instead, he enjoys sitting nearby, listening to the bubbles and watching the lights.
Sam's holidays aren't built around doing something new every time. They're built around the things that help him feel comfortable, connected and happy. Careful planning, strong relationships and genuine partnership with his family mean he can enjoy a holiday that feels like his own, filled with familiar routines, familiar people and the simple joys that matter to him most.
