Manx Mencap takes 45 islanders on Safari Park day trip

Manx Mencap recently organised a day trip to Knowsley Safari Park for 45 people from the Isle of Man, including adults with learning disabilities and their carers.

The charity looks to support people with learning disabilities and their families, helping them to live as independently as possible and participate fully in their communities.

This trip enabled them to do so, with the group including residents from Manx Mencap's community homes, people living with their families, as well as carers and guardians.

Debs Dixon, Manx Mencap fundraiser, commented: ‘For many of our adults with disabilities, days out are few and far between as many families and carers can find it daunting, isolating, and often stigmatising to arrange and attend.

‘Some of these families struggle financially too. An organised group trip like this provides a genuine feeling of connectedness, safety, support and, most importantly, an opportunity to have fun together as a group.’

The visit was made possible through support from Zurich Isle of Man and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

Zurich Isle of Man funded the cost of entry tickets to Knowsley Safari Park, while the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company supported the cost of ferry travel and coach transport.

Robert Hartnett, CEO of Zurich Life International Limited, said: ‘Manx Mencap does amazing work in the local community, and it’s one of many charities that Zurich on the Isle of Man is delighted to support as part of our local and global commitments to inclusion and accessibility for everyone.’

Brian Thomson, managing director of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, added: ‘We are delighted to support Manx Mencap and the fantastic work it does across the island.

‘We are proud to contribute towards this initiative and help create opportunities that make a real difference to people's lives.’