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Venus Summer Residential 2014
Venus Summer Residential 2014
Over 130 Mums and Kids have just returned from the Venus Annual Summer Residential 2014 in sunny Presthaven Sands.
We arrived at the site on Monday afternoon and after a relatively smooth check in process followed by a short time familiarising ourselves with the site, happy and excited mums and kids started to relax and enjoy the amenities of the park in Welsh sunshine.
There was a swimming baths with an outdoor pool and lazy river, kids clubs and activities and lots of play equipment around the site. Families were able to meet new friends; children could play together safely whilst mums could have a cuppa and a chinwag with their new friends. Venus workers were available to talk to throughout the holiday, with a dedicated staff caravan available as a hub for information, support and practical assistance for things like using the telephone etc. We have realised through experience that providing women and children who face multiple barriers in their lives a break away from their daily experience allows them breathing space and clarity of thinking to plan to address the problems they may be facing day to day.
As part of each residential, we try to organise at least one group activity where everyone can get together. Venus worker Mary tells us a bit more about this year's...
"We had an excellent day on the beach Thursday. Mums, children and staff having lots of fun, the sun was shining, happy smiling faces, what more could you ask for?! Staff lost the massive game of rounders to the families; Look out we will have a rematch next year!! Overall, we all enjoyed our stay, looking forward to the next one. One family told me it was the best holiday ever!"
We were really lucky with the weather throughout our stay, despite the threat of ex-hurricane Bertha! Families returned on Friday relaxed, refreshed and ready to face reality once again. As you can see from the pic here of a tired-out Lainey-Jo on the coach home, we were worn out with the fun of it all!
We will be putting up more pics, videos and stories as we get them over the coming days, we'd love you to share your thoughts below or on our facebook, twitter and youtube pages. In the meantime, we'll end this little update with a message from Debbie, one of the mums who came along with us...
"WELL GIRLS WE ALL HAD A FANTASTIC TIME WITH YOU ALL AND THANKS 2 ALL THE STAFF ALL OF YOU 4 WHAT YOUS HAVE DONE THANKS AGAINE 2 YOU ALL"
Comments
One of the mums who had her name down for this year's resi told us that she nearly did not manage to go on the resi, she was worried and nervous about it in the build up, even on the day of departure she was very anxious and almost had a panic attack.
Her mum and some Venus staff persuaded her to go and afterwards she told us she was so glad she did manage to attend because the kids were having a fantastic time and she was much more relaxed and enjoying herself. She had made new friends which was good for her own well being.
Great to see that they had a great time!
The comments keep rolling in! We love it when you tell us what you think of the services we provide and how we can make things better. Over on facebook, Lian has commented,
"Ad a fantastic holiday and meet sum lovely ppl and shared my caravan wiv sum 2 lovely women and there kids. Thanks again for inviting me and ellie"
Well there wasnt a dull moment thats for sure! Lots of fun
Danielle used facebook to tell us...
"Had an amazing holiday with u all.. The Boys loved it. . Thanks xxx"
what a great week in haven. the kids all loved it and there was loads for them all to do whatever their age, and to top it of the sun was shining, woop woop
Looks like you all had a ball. Gutted I missed it. Cant wait till next one
Sunny Wales!! A great time was had by all X