Back in 2017, a review of the holiday homes we managed through our group network found that we lacked the resources to train, supervise and support the volunteers that ran them. This lack of oversight exposed us to legal and financial risks, and placed additional responsibility and pressure on the volunteers. We therefore decided that, as other organisations are better placed to offer this service, the MS Society should stop running holiday homes.
Happily, many of the homes were sold to organisations who were able to keep them available for the MS community, and we supported two of our groups (North Norfolk, and Barnsley & District) to set up new charities which now manage their holiday homes independently of the MS Society.
Following lockdown closures, both properties are now up and running again (with appropriate ‘COVID-secure’ measures in place), and we wish those involved every success in the future.
We know it can sometimes be difficult for people with MS to find and organise accessible holidays. So, if you know anyone who’s looking for a reasonably-priced UK break, why not suggest one of these comfortable holiday homes?
Badger Lodge (Great Yarmouth)
Badger Lodge is an accessible timber lodge (two bedrooms, plus sofa bed) which includes an adjustable bed with an overhead hoist running to the wet room. There’s adjacent parking, and free use of a mobility scooter.
It sits within the Cherry Tree Holiday Park, which has two swimming pools and offers a range of activities and kids’ clubs. The park is three miles from the Great Yarmouth coast and sixteen miles from the historic city of Norwich.
For more information, visit the Badger Lodge website here or contact David on [email protected] or 07793 414874.
Rotherwood (Skegness)
Rotherwood is an accessible bungalow close to the centre and beaches of Skegness. It has six beds (including one adjustable bed, with a ceiling hoist), two wet rooms and a garden. A manual wheelchair is available for guests’ use. Well-behaved pets are welcome, and it’s available all year round.
You can find more information here or contact Trish on [email protected] or 01226 381524.
