Carers. So Much More Than The Word Suggests
At Our Bench, we know accessible holidays are rarely just about ramps, wet rooms, or specialist equipment. They are about the people who make those holidays possible. The quiet teamwork, trust, patience, friendship, and understanding behind every successful trip away.
We are continually inspired by the carers, support workers, friends, and family members who travel with our guests, and by the relationships that grow through years of shared experiences and mutual trust. Because sometimes “carer” is simply too small a word for what someone truly means to another person.
Hannah has stayed with us a couple of times now, and she is an amazing young lady. She communicates using a personalised Makaton book and communication board, clearly expressing what she wants, where she wants to go, and very definitely which route she would prefer to take. Usually the more adventurous one in her wheelchair. She joins in with everything.
Hannah lives independently in her own bungalow with support from carers, and holidays with her amazing friend Claire.
Claire first met Hannah through a school support role, but over the years their relationship has grown into something far deeper than the word “carer” can fully describe.
Claire is the person Hannah depends on for her everyday needs. She understands her communication, encourages her independence, and enables Hannah to experience holidays where she is not simply included, but is a fully equal part of the family and the team. Their holidays include Claire’s mum and dad too, and Hannah truly is treated as part of the family.
It all began years ago when Hannah asked if she could visit Claire’s parents’ home. They made it work. Hannah slept downstairs on a mattress because the upstairs was inaccessible, but what mattered was that she was welcomed, included, and happy. Hannah loved it and asked for more holidays together, and Claire and her family have continued to make those adventures possible ever since.
Hannah enjoying an accessible holiday in the New Forest with Claire and family.
Over the years they have stayed in many holiday cottages like ours. Some have been easier than others. They shared stories of struggling with gravel parking, inaccessible layouts, and remote locations that made caring difficult. But they also shared stories of wonderful accessible facilities, swimming pools, profiling beds, and thoughtful design that helped make holidays relaxing, enjoyable, and possible for everyone.
This week at Our Bench, Hannah’s adventures have included glorious sunshine in the New Forest, a trip to Bournemouth, wheelchair races as Claire's parents keep up in portable mobility scooters, which fold down to suitcase size and fit alongside Hannah's powerchair in the WAV, shopping for summer clothes, forest walks with us, cafés and restaurants, and a visit to Longdown Activity Farm just to enjoy the wheelchair swing.
A week full of experiences, laughter, memories, and freedom.
Blackwater arboretum - Wheelchair users enjoying accessible woodland in the New Forest
Watching the connection between Hannah, Claire, and Claire’s family is incredibly moving. There is trust, love, compassion, patience, understanding, and genuine friendship. Seeing relationships like these, and understanding how much those connections truly matter, is such a privilege.
They are not simply carers.
To Hannah, they are everything.
They open up a world of possibilities.
At Our Bench, we know accessible holidays are rarely just about ramps, wet rooms, or specialist equipment. They are about the people who make those holidays possible. The quiet teamwork, trust, patience, friendship, and understanding that sit behind every successful trip away. We are continually inspired by the carers, support workers, friends, and family members who travel with our guests, and by the relationships that grow through years of shared experiences and mutual trust. Because sometimes “carer” is simply too small a word for what someone truly means to another person.
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Accessible holiday adventures with carers and family support
Our Bench - Designed with accessibility in mind
Our accessible self-catering cottages in the New Forest are purpose built to support wheelchair users, people with limited mobility, and families who need space, calm, flexibility, and understanding.
Stories like Hannah and Claire’s remind us that accessible holidays are about so much more than accommodation. They are about freedom, inclusion, friendship, and making memories together.
We hope their story inspires others to travel, explore, and enjoy holidays together too.
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Last updated: May 2026