At Amy Johnson House, we are proud to celebrate a major milestone for one of the people we support, Helena, who recently went on her first holiday abroad to Tenerife.
This trip wasn’t just a holiday, it was a huge personal achievement and a significant step forward in Helena’s journey towards independence. For the first time, she travelled overseas, supported instead by Amy Johnson House staff. It took careful planning, teamwork, and a lot of courage, but the outcome was incredible.
When Helena first moved to Amy Johnson House, she experienced significant anxiety and lacked confidence in managing daily life. Over time, and with the consistent support of the staff team, she has developed essential life skills and coping strategies, enabling her to stay well and remain out of hospital.
This steady progress paved the way for Helena to take on the new and exciting challenge of her first holiday outside of the UK.
Planning the trip to Tenerife took over a year and required thoughtful coordination. The team held a series of planning meetings and carried out detailed risk assessments, not only for Helena, but for the staff who would be accompanying her. Every detail was considered to make sure everyone could travel safely and enjoy the experience.
Michelle Grainger, Service Manager at Amy Johnson House, explained:
“We wanted to make sure Helena could experience this milestone safely and confidently. The whole team came together to plan every step, from travel arrangements and accommodation to building Helena’s confidence for being away from home.”
One of Helena’s biggest personal goals for the trip was to have her own room, something that, not long ago, she wasn’t sure she could manage. Spending that time on her own, away from staff but still knowing they were nearby if needed, gave her a real sense of pride. It was a moment of genuine self-belief and freedom that meant a lot to her.
Helena’s favourite memories include her visit to Siam Park and snorkelling in the beautiful waters of Tenerife. She returned feeling recharged, full of new experiences and stories to share.
After the trip, Helena surprised the team with a heartfelt thank-you card that read:
“Thank you to Rosie and Becky for going with me on holiday, thank you to Michelle for working hard to make it possible, and to the rest of the staff for helping me prepare. You made my dream come true!”
This trip was not only transformative for Helena, it also had a positive impact on the whole staff team. Seeing Helena achieve this milestone reinforced the value of their collaborative planning and person-centred support.
As Michelle shared:
“This was a huge step for Helena, and for all of us. It shows what can be achieved when we plan carefully, believe in the people we support, and work together as a team.”
Inspired by her success, Helena is already looking ahead to her next goal; she’s started planning a trip to Turkey next year.
We’re all incredibly proud of Helena’s growth and determination. Helena, your journey is inspiring, and this is only the beginning!
Find out more about Helena’s journey with Northern Healthcare so far by clicking here.
