11th May 2026
For many people, holiday planning is relatively straightforward. For the people Havencare supports, there are sometimes a few more things to consider along the way. The outcome though is just the same, holiday stories, photos on the wall and memories that last a lifetime.
‘Whatever they would like to do, I try and make it happen.’ Natalie Conn, Hub Leader
Hub Leader Natalie Conn has become something of a holiday planning expert, supporting a group of people in Plymouth to organise their annual getaway. Here, she shares the steps she takes to make the group jolly happen.
Step 1: Who’s coming
“First I ask everyone who wants to come to Butlins. Once people have said yes, we talk about whether they’d like their own space or shared accommodation. If people share, they usually have their own bedroom and a shared living space.”
Step 2: Finding the right dates
” Next, we look at dates, normally June or July, before the kids break up from school as it’s a bit cheaper and quieter.’
Step 3: Travel
“We arrange for a coach to take us there and back and split the cost between everyone going. Its straightforward and means we all get to travel together.”
Step 4: Support costs
“Everyone’s support is different, so I work out how many hours each person will need while we’re away, including any 1:1 support and sleep-ins. Getting this sorted means everyone can enjoy the trip knowing they’ve got the right people around them.”
Step 5: Spending money
“I ask each person how much spending money they’d like to bring. Some like to split theirs into morning and evening envelopes so they know exactly how much they have for things like the shows at night.”
Step 6: Support from families, advocates and appointees
“Once I’ve worked out each person’s individual costs, I share everything with their families, advocates and appointees. It’s important that everyone has the full picture and that there are no surprises.”
Step 7: Booking Butlins
“Once everyone is confirmed, Havencare Head Office secures the booking and handles the invoice process. This is when it starts to feel real!”
Step 8: Booking activities
“A month before the trip, I can log in to our Butlins account and see what shows are on. I ask everyone going what they’d like to see and book the tickets.”
Step 9: The countdown begins
“In the lead-up to the holiday, everyone plans what they want to take and what they’ll need, so they feel prepared. People also make their own Butlins countdown charts!”
Step 10: Enjoy
“From swimming and silent discos to fairgrounds and puppet shows, we always have a great time and everyone comes back with plenty of stories to tell. It’s always such a memorable week for everyone involved.”
We don’t just stop at Butlins, Natalie follows the same process to support people planning individual holidays too. Over the years Havencare has supported people to go to Amsterdam for a city break, London to visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and Cardiff for concerts and gigs – a main highlight was seeing girl band, Little Mix.
‘At the moment, I’m supporting someone who wants to go to Disneyland Paris. They don’t have family to help with getting a passport, so we’re working through that together so we can make it happen.’ Natalie Conn, Hub Leader
Last year, Julie (name changed) travelled to Disneyland Paris with her partner and support worker for a trip filled with rides, fun and fireworks. She described it as “the best holiday ever” and still proudly wears her Mickey hoodie.
For Natalie and the teams across Havencare, no holiday dream is too big. Whether it’s a weekend at Butlins or a trip to Paris, if it matters to the person, it matters to us and we’ll help make it happen.
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