£15,000 was donated in April 2025 to Phab to support a range of accessible and inclusive residential breaks and activity days for disabled people, their friends and families. The residentials were delivered over 2, 3, 4 and 7 nights at two chosen sites, Bendrigg Lodge and Avon Tyrrell and activity days were delivered across various geographical locations.
Thanks to players of The Health Lottery, the donation helped successfully deliver a diverse programme of adventure-based experiences designed to support personal development and wellbeing.
This included 8 residential adventures, with 4 taking place at Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre and 4 at Bendrigg Lodge Outdoor Centre. Each residential offered a wide range of engaging activities such as canoeing, sailing, rock climbing, zipwires, caving, discos, and arts and crafts, ensuring participants could challenge themselves while having fun in a supportive environment.
In addition, they delivered 6 Adventure Days across the country. These included 2 flying experience days in Surrey and Manchester, 2 skiing days in Manchester and Hemel Hempstead, a powerboat driving experience in Portsmouth, and an adventure farm day in Cheshire.
Across all programmes, activities were intentionally designed to promote increased confidence, independence, wellbeing, and social connection. Participants were supported to try new experiences, build skills, and develop relationships in an inclusive and encouraging setting.
Who did the money help?
The project supported a diverse and inclusive group of beneficiaries, reflecting a wide range of ages, needs, and levels of independence. Participants across all adventures included disabled children and young people aged 5–17, many of whom attended independently and were supported by trained staff and dedicated volunteers. Others attended alongside their families, ensuring that support extended beyond the individual to the wider family unit.
In total, 240 children and young people benefited throughout the year, gaining opportunities for social interaction, personal development, and increased confidence in a safe and welcoming environment. Alongside them, 176 disabled adults participated, accessing activities that promoted wellbeing, independence, and community connection.
The project also had a significant impact on families and support networks. A total of 225 parents and carers were involved, benefiting from respite, peer support, and opportunities to engage in shared experiences with their children and others facing similar challenges.
Additionally, 67 volunteers received support and training and contributed their time and energy, playing a vital role in delivering inclusive activities and building a supportive community atmosphere.
- Adventure Farm Day (Cheshire) 6th April 2025 – 102 people
- Bendrigg Lodge Young Carers Weekend 14th-17th April 2025 – 17 people
- Bendrigg Lodge Adults Residential weekend 9th-11th May 2025 – 25
- Snow Day (Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead) 10th May 2025 – 73 people
- Flying Day (Redhill Airport) 31st May – 76 people
- Bendrigg Lodge Family Week 2nd – 9th August 2025 – 53 people
- Avon Tyrrell Family Week 8th-15th August 2025 – 67 people
- Avon Tyrrell Adults Long Weekend 15th-18th August 2025 – 49 people
- Wet Wheels Power Boats Day Portsmouth – 31st August – 20 people
- Flying Day (Barton Aerodrome Manchester) 7th September – 55 people
- Snow Day North (Snow Centre Manchester) 6th September 2025 – 71 people
- Bendrigg Lodge Family Weekend 24th – 26th October 2025 – 45 people
- Bendrigg Lodge Young Carers Week 16th – 19th February 2026 -18 people
- Avon Tyrrell Young Adults Weekend 20th – 22nd March 2026 – 37 people
Key feedback from participants
A family who attended the Avon Tyrrell Residential in Hampshire in August 2025, travelled from Manchester for their first ever Phab Adventure. The family have two sons, aged 12 and 14, both of whom are non-verbal and require 24-hour supervision.
“Last summer at Avon Tyrell was honestly the best time we ever had. To have the understanding and support all around us was so incredibly impactful. We are used to doing everything on our own – it was the first time we could really breathe and relax as a family. To have opportunities for our family that you don’t have to fight for, to make core memories, to have peace of mind, to be outdoors and to share that joy with others (who we’ve remained friends with) is priceless. The boys love adventure and love being with others – it was a true gift to us all.”
Having experienced a taster of a Phab adventure ourselves last summer at Avon Tyrrell, we have seen firsthand how amazing the organisation is. Thank you to Phab for supporting so many people through the donation given.