Kieran, who lives with moderate learning disabilities and autism and is non‑verbal, has a huge love of sunshine, water and exploring new places. Having never experienced a holiday abroad before, staff at the service were determined to make his dream come true.
His mum Lisa explained: “I was brought up in a family that having an open mind and also broadening the mind, is the way forward and wherever possible a holiday is part of that education and making your world bigger and brighter.
“I wanted that for Kieran I knew that with Cherry Tree House’s positive determined ethos this could be made a reality.”
Kieran thrives on routine and can find long periods of waiting extremely stressful. Yet, with meticulous planning and creative problem‑solving, the Cherry Tree House team, working closely with Kieran’s mum, Lisa, and partners at East Midlands Airport and TUI, removed the typical travel hurdles.
To support Kieran and reduce anxiety around travel, the team put a range of tailored strategies in place. These included fast-track airport routes and the use of a sunflower lanyard to discreetly signal Kieran’s additional needs. In the weeks leading up to the trip, staff carried out several familiarisation visits to the airport – including a full 3 a.m. trial run – to help Kieran become comfortable with the environment.
They also created personalised social-story guides to explain each stage of the journey in a format he could understand. On the day of travel, comfort items such as his favourite electronic devices and a familiar inflatable bean-bag chair were brought along to help Kieran feel safe and relaxed.
Despite an unexpected two‑hour baggage delay in Málaga, Kieran calmly queued with his iPod, an achievement staff describe as “nothing short of transformational.”
“This trip made Kieran’s world bigger and brighter,” said his mum, Lisa. “It proved he can cope in totally new environments when the right support is in place. I’ve never felt so proud of my son, or the Cherry Tree House team.”
Senior Support Worker Lloyd added: “After 17 years in care, I can honestly say watching Kieran swim in the open sea and explore Marbella was one of my proudest moments. The experience has boosted his confidence, tolerance for waiting and overall happiness. We’re already planning the next adventure.”
Home manager Sophie Hill added: “I don’t think we can explain in words the positive impact which this holiday had on Kieran; he achieved things we never thought possible; and since returning home his confidence has grown and his new found skill for waiting has been so evident.”
Kieran’s journey is being shared as part of Cygnet Social Care’s ‘Hopes and Dreams’ campaign, which highlights how specialist support can empower individuals with learning disabilities, autism and mental health needs to lead fulfilling lives and realise their goals, no matter how big or small.