We're working with several organisations to make it easier for people with MS, families and carers to access a wider range of short breaks, holidays and respite care opportunities.
We've currently got partnership arrangements in place with the following organisations, for the benefit of people affected by MS:
Calvert Trust Kielder, MS taster weekends
The Calvert Trust team in Kielder, Northumberland organise special weekend breaks for people with MS, their carers and families at their activity holiday centre in the Kielder Water and Forest Park in Northumberland. The taster weekends are a great chance to try out activities such as sailing, abseiling, archery and the zip wire in shorter taster sessions.
All activities are fully accessible, as is the centre itself and the accommodation. For those who prefer to relax, there is also a hydrotherapy pool, sensory and games rooms and a fully licensed bar.
Prices for all taster weekends include accommodation, meals (self-catering accommodation is also available) and activities. Respite care packages which include personal care and support are available at additional cost for over 18s. To book a place, call the Calvert Trust team on 01434 250 232 or email [email protected]
The next MS taster weekend is:
- Friday 24 to Monday 27 May. 3 nights costs £317 per person, or £488 per person to stay on the respite care package.
Bond Holidays, Blackpool and St. Annes
Editor's note - please be aware these offers have now ended
Bond Holidays Group have two fully accessible hotels in Blackpool and St. Annes. Rooms have ensuite wet floor shower rooms, hoists, and profiling beds, and access to other specialist equipment is available free of charge.
For guests who are staying without their usual support, or who require additional support during their break, personal care packages can be provided at additional cost through Bond Holiday's Care Quality Commission registered care service 'Holidays with Care'.
Door to door return transport can be arranged, and specialist diets catered for.
Both hotels have regular cabaret and evening entertainment including tribute acts and theme breaks. For more information and to take advantage of the special offers below, contact the Bond Holidays team on 01253 341218 quoting "MS Society Spring Break Opportunity".
- Carers only weekend, 8 - 11 March. £99 per person, includes 3 nights dinner, bed and breakfast.
- St Patricks weekend, 15 - 18 March. Book 3 people for the price of 2. £179 per person, includes 3 nights dinner, bed and breakfast.
- Discounted rates for 7 night breaks during March and April 2013, includes dinner, bed and breakfast. £299 per person to stay at the Bond hotel in Blackpool (£80 off brochure price). £329 per person to stay at the Bond hotel in St Annes (£80 off brochure price).
Supported short breaks
Editor's note - please be aware this offer has now ended
People with MS, their carers and families can get additional care and support to help manage a short break or holiday, through our partnership with Carers Trust and local Crossroads Care schemes. The supported short breaks service means that family carers can get support with caring from trained carer support workers at their holiday destination, and enjoy a real chance to rest and recharge their batteries.
The carer support workers will be provided by the local Crossroads Care scheme that covers the destination area. Supported short breaks are currently being piloted for people with MS living in England and Wales. They are available to those who want to take a break in most of Wales, the south coast of England or East Anglia. To find out more about the service, including terms and conditions, pricing, how it works and how to book, call 020 8438 0805 or email [email protected]
