We Ask our Guests What a Revitalise Break Means to Them

Here at Revitalise, we are so proud of the work we do and the impact we have on the lives of our guests — as the only specialist respite provider in the country, we welcome nearly 5,000 people through our doors every year. Holidays for disabled people are our speciality.

Our guests come to us with their friends, a family carer, or by themselves and it’s our goal to make sure that everyone who visits our centres — whether it is for a change of scenery, a much-needed respite break, or to really let their hair down — has a fantastic time.

We understand that coming somewhere new or entrusting your loved one to a team of people, can be an unsettling experience for anyone — whether they are disabled or not. Therefore, we think the best way of showing you what you can expect on a Revitalise break, is to hear from our guests.

Husband and wife couple Jean and Jon have been on a total of 10 accessible holidays to Sandpipers. Jean cares for Jon, who has Alzheimer’s, and loves the relationship she and Jon have built with the staff and other guests. Jean can enjoy her break without worrying about leaving her husband, and Jon thoroughly enjoys his time away meeting new people. Jean said:

“It’s nice to chat to people who really understand what you’re going through and the carers are just such a good support to you. As soon as I come home, I put the countdown on to the next break. It’s such an amazing break. A whole week without any responsibility.”

Grace has lived with multiple disabilities, including a mental health condition, for the last 16 years and is currently waiting for open heart surgery. Of her time at Revitalise, she said:

“Since the day I arrived at Sandpipers, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted. I’m surrounded by wonderful staff and other guests. I really feel that Revitalise has been a lifeline for me. All the staff have helped me get through this period and I feel like I’ve made some friends for life.”

Leon lives with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and Type 1 Diabetes, and is brilliantly social and enjoys nothing more than having a laugh and a joke with his friends and family. Leon told us why his breaks at Revitalise mean so much to him:

“[Coming to Revitalise] reduced my stress levels from 102 to about 20, Sandpipers definitely stopped me being depressive and weak. For anyone who’s thinking about coming here, don’t hesitate.”

Sid’s daughters, Liz and Christine, were born with microcephaly, and since their mother died, he has taken care of them by himself. Speaking about Liz and Christine coming on a Revitalise break, Sid said:

“I’ve been able to calm down a lot. I’ve gone on walks; I drove to the sea. It’s been fabulous, I couldn’t thank them enough, a thousand times I could thank them and it wouldn’t be enough… Revitalise get five stars from me.”

One of our guests is Alison, husband to Nigel, who has Cortico Basal Syndrome, a rare form of dementia. She said:

“The best thing about a Revitalise break is being with others on the same emotional and physical journey that we are on. Making new friends; learning from them; realising that I am not on my own and renewing friendships with staff and guests. There are so many hugs the first day and even more on the last day – magic.”

Our respite breaks are designed to give carers peace of mind and to allow their disabled loved ones to experience what a real holiday is like – not just a lifeline but a fun and relaxing experience in a purpose-built centre with expert care support.

Revitalise specialise in providing fantastic weekly live evening entertainment, high quality hospitality and local trips about town for our guests. There are also some great activities that we arrange at the centre. Here is a typical week’s activity programme at Sandpipers in Southport, so you know what to expect from an accessible holiday at Revitalise:

• Welcome quiz
  Art club
  Jackpot Bingo
  Wellbeing Wednesday
  Knit and natter club
  Micro-gardening
  Afternoon games
  Painting and sketching
  Classic movie night
  Craft workshop

There is just so much to do at our centres that we think you’ll find your holiday flies by and you’ll want to come back time and time again. And if you’d rather not be involved with activities and instead want a relaxing break, that’s fine too. Feel free to get some well-earned rest and relaxation with a gin and tonic in our lounge, or on our balcony overlooking the beautiful Marine Lake.

During these uncertain times, it’s natural (and very sensible) to question the safety precautions of every new place you travel to. We’re proud to tell you that our brilliant teams have successfully cared for some of the UK’s most vulnerable people by adhering to rigorous infection control and testing practices and by using full PPE.
Revitalise have just unveiled our ‘Early Bird’ offers for 2022, which sees a return to a more familiar holiday experience for guests. Packed full of offers and savings when booked in advance, you can enjoy everything you’d expect from a holiday backed up with excellent care and our brilliant volunteers to get the fun started — and keep it going! See our new video, below.

To enquire about the Early Bird savings available at Revitalise, call 0303 303 0145, email bookings@revitalise.org.uk or visit revitalise.org.uk/early-bird

We hope to see you at one of our centres soon! We’ve been waiting for you.