Matt, who is supported at Eden View, had a fantastic day out recently – and it marked a big step forward in helping him reach one of his key goals: getting out into the local community more often.
He absolutely loves being outdoors, but due to transport limitations, he’s only been able to visit places within pushing distance of Eden View. That all changed when a new local bus company introduced wider vehicles – finally making it possible for his wheelchair to fit safely and comfortably on board.
The destination? Anglesey Abbey – a beautiful spot with gardens in full bloom and a cosy café that Matt really enjoyed. “He had a brilliant time,” said Service Manager Owen. “He loves flowers, so the gardens were a real treat. And he was just so happy to be out and about somewhere new.”
Getting out into the community has been a long-standing goal for Matt and the team. The old buses simply couldn’t accommodate the size of his wheelchair, creating a frustrating barrier. When the new, wider buses arrived, the team saw an opportunity – and despite some initial nerves about how it might go, they gave it a try.
“There were definitely a few doubts,” Owen shared. “We worried about the risk of it not working, or Matt feeling upset if the bus wasn’t accessible after all, and we didn’t want to let anybody down. But it all came together perfectly – and we were so pleased to see him enjoying every moment.”
The impact didn’t stop there. Inspired by the success of this trip, Matt’s uncle recently took him to a local museum that was hosting a 1940s day – another exciting outing that he loved.
Moments like these are a huge confidence boost and a sign of real progress. While the next trip is being planned for another person we support, the team is already thinking about future adventures for Matt.
Owen’s message to other teams facing similar challenges? “You never know what’s possible until you try! What once seemed unlikely became a reality by seizing the opportunity—and it’s resulted in such a positive experience for both Matt and the team.”
