Rhys and Jack enjoy ‘monkeying around’ on Forest holiday

The pair had a surprise visitor during a trip to a safari park

Rhys and Jack enjoyed some ‘monkeying around’ when they went on holiday to a forest retreat.

Rhys, 29 and Jack, 27, who both live at Hft’s supported living service in Coleford, enjoyed a five-day break to a woodland log cabin in the Forest of Dean.

One of the highlights of their vacation was a trip to Longleat Safari Park, where they had an unexpected visitor – a monkey who climbed on the top of the car.

“It was funny,” said Rhys.

“We thought it was very cool.”

As well as the visit to Longleat, Rhys and Jack enjoyed trampolining and a barbecue, a movie night with pizza, a visit to Cotswold Wildlife Park and spending time in the hot tub.

“I liked sitting in the hot tub and had a glass of wine,” said Rhys.

“I would like to go back again one day.”

The holiday was planned by Rhys and Jack with the help of their support workers who supported them on the trip.

Hft Support Practitioner Sian Davis said: “Both Rhys and Jack had their own log cabins next to each other which had a decking area and hot tubs.

“We put together a plan of activities with them, finding out how they wanted to spend their holidays and the activities they would enjoy.”

Hft’s Coleford service supports four learning disabled men in their 20s who enjoy a variety of activities. There is a themed party evening every month as well as a ‘foods of the world’ cooking night.

Individuals enjoy regular days out and trips to enjoy activities including swimming and bowling. Each of the young men have their own self-contained flat within the building, enabling them to live as independently as possible.

The person centred support offered by Hft not only enables Rhys and Jack to enjoy experiences such as holidays, it enables and empowers learning disabled adults to thrive in all areas of their lives, from finding meaningful paid work or volunteering opportunities, building new relationships and being active members of their communities.

It also helps with the everyday things in life, like doing a weekly food shop, cooking and managing their money.

Without that support, learning disabled people can often feel shut out of the society we all share.

“It was wonderful to be part of Rhys and Jack taking their first holiday since joining Hft,

“They enjoyed it so much they are already talking about where they would like to go next,” said Sian.