Lewis heading to Skegness for first ever holiday

The holiday will give Lewis the chance to see and enjoy things he never has before

For Lewis Graham, the summer of 2025 is going to be one to remember.

Because Lewis is to enjoy his first ever holiday – at the age of 32.

Lewis, who is supported by learning disability charity Hft at Clementi Court in Evesham, is heading off for a four night break to Skegness with his key worker Nadia Mubina and colleague Kerry Henderson.

It will be the first time that Lewis, who has Cerebral Palsy and complex learning disabilities, has ever been on holiday.

Lewis came to live at Clementi Court, a residential service which supports adults with learning disabilities and complex needs, eight years ago.

During his time at the service he has grown in confidence and enjoyed numerous trips out to attractions including Drayton Manor and Cadbury’s World.

Key worker Nadia, who has been supporting Lewis for the last four years, said: “Lewis used to be quite quiet and chose to spend time in his bedroom.

”He did enjoy trips out, but was quite reserved.

“But over the last few years he has really grown in confidence and started to come out of his shell.

“Now he really enjoys being out in company.”

Nadia was talking to Lewis’s mum Rita when she discovered that he had never been on holiday.

Having supported another person to enjoy a trip to the specially adapted bungalow in the seaside town, Nadia suggested taking Lewis on vacation.

“The bungalow is fully adapted to suit Lewis’s needs,” said Nadia.

“And it’s close to the beach and everything Skegness has to offer.”

Lewis has already been preparing for his trip to the seaside – enjoying a day out to Weston-Super-Mare with Nadia where he spent time on the beach and took a ride in the adapted passenger pod on the town’s ferris wheel.

“It was the first time he had ever been on a big wheel,” said Nadia.

“He loved it and his face was just one huge smile.

“Going out on these trips has helped us get a real understanding of the things which Lewis enjoys.”

Although Lewis cannot communicate verbally, he does communicate by using a range of gestures, from facial expressions such as smiles to using his hands to express himself.

Thanks to the support he receives at Clementi Court and his growing confidence, Lewis is experiencing more activities in the community.

He goes bowling every fortnight and attends Crafty Club, a social session where participants get to learn new crafts and skills.

The visit to Skegness will involve trips to the beach, the amusement arcades and the aquarium.

The holiday was planned in partnership with Lewis and his mum Rita.

Nadia worked with Lewis, showing him pictures of the attractions and activities in Skegness to decide the places he wanted to visit.

Rita said: “I wanted to support Lewis so he could experience a holiday.

“I wanted for him to be able to get out into a bigger world.

“Being at Clementi Court I have seen him transform from a quiet person into a very vibrant person.”

Lewis – who enjoys playing his guitar alongside listening to his favourite music or nursery rhymes and watching the game show Countdown – is also looking forward to tucking into one of his favourite treats while on the Lincolnshire coast – a curry.

“The holiday will give Lewis the chance to see and enjoy things he never has before,” said Nadia.

“I am so excited to be supporting Lewis on this journey and being there to help him experience some wonderful moments and make special memories.”