Hello again - We think it is time to get this show back on the road towards some normality.
Trustee Chat – August 2021
Hello one and all. It has been a while since we have managed to get the website updated but that doesn’t mean we have stopped everything - we have merely just adapted our activities to suit the current climate and get ready for a return to normality.
It has been a rather difficult year for all but at SAMs we always try to do our best to help the families we support in as much as we are possibly able to do so.
While we still can’t get together in our monthly clubs and outings, and even missed our big annual holiday to Scarborough in July 2020 we have managed to keep ticking over with wee events and surprises, and some major developments, which have even surpassed our own expectations.
Our volunteers were working behind the scenes to help organise things such as the May Gifts, Pamper Packages and Santa’s Sleigh Event in December - bringing a little joy to all at such a great time of the year. A big thank you to Santa and his Elves for delivering the gifts to all the children of SAMs, and gifts for the parent/carers to enjoy once things get back to some normality.
As 2021 got into full swing we have been busy behind the scenes, quietly working away to see how we can do more for the families of SAMs. To this end, the Trustees have managed to secure and fund a new caravan at Drimsynie. This new and exciting venture allows us to offer support to families while they enjoy their short breaks at the caravan. With both caravans, one called St Andrews and the other St Michaels, being available again from the end of April we hope more families can enjoy the unique, relaxing, fun and stunning surroundings of Lochgoilhead and Argyll Holidays. We hope that while families can enjoy staying in one caravan we can offer support, from our wonderful volunteers, who will stay at the other. We are very excited to offer more for the members of SAMs and continue to help those who need it, and this helps us do that even more. Since we have opened all back up and after our trips up to Drymsinie the bookings are going unto overdrive, which is amazing. We hope this can continue and families enjoy the short breaks they really need after a tumultuous year.
And it doesn’t stop there. While our trip to Scarborough was cancelled again for 2021 we were able to organise, fund and provide short breaks for all the group during 26 July to 2 August where we all met up more safely, in smaller groups but still offering as much support and fun for all with a range of activities and respite to suit the needs of all families. More on this as soon as we gather the photos and feedback from all after a great success at Argyll Holidays, Drimsynie and initial responses suggest that this was a great alternative. It was very different from what we have organised and delivered in Scarborough since 2013 but it is nice to change and move forward in different ways - it keeps things fresh and different. We thank all at Wydale Hall for the great memories we have had over the last 7 years we had been there - we are eternally grateful for the love and compassion you should our group every year.
We are now in consultation about how we can begin our clubs back up again in September when once again we hope to make things more exciting with more fresh and fun activities for all. We will put the dates and planned activities on the website as soon as we can.
Indeed it has been a strange year for us all but at SAMs we still think of all the families we work with and aim to do all we can to improve the health and well-being of the children, parents and carers through the hard work of a fantastic, dedicated group of volunteers who created such amazing memories for the families during the trip to Drymsinie. We are always grateful for such commitment.
Until next time.
Take care and God Bless.
Parent Committee Chat
We welcome Yvonne Conroy as the new Head of the Parent Committee. More from her to follow.
2021-2022 Clubs - TBC