A Chelmsford company that provides holidays for adults with learning disabilities has been recognised for its work. 

Breakaway Supported Holidays has been running since 1998 and has now received national recognition for its social inclusion activities as part of the national Accessible Britain Challenge.

The Accessible Britain Challenge, organised by Government in association with the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM), encourages communities to be inclusive and accessible.

The UK’s 12.2 million disabled people make a positive contribution to employment, enjoy many leisure activities and make a real contribution to local economies and the Accessible Britain Challenge wants to share great examples of this so others can learn from them.

Initially, Breakaway provided day trips to France for adults from local respite centres but today, whilst the majority of customers continue to be based in Essex, Breakaway provides holidays for adults with learning disabilities from across the UK and provides day trips, short breaks and two week holidays to destinations all over the UK, Europe and beyond.

Penny Elsip, Director of Breakaway Supported Holidays said: “We are delighted that Breakaway Supported Holidays has been nominated for this national award, especially as we had no idea anyone had nominated us!

"It was great to receive personal recognition from the Minister for Disabled People too.

"We will continue doing what we are doing to the best of our ability and that is providing adults who have a learning disability with a fantastic, fully supported, holiday experience which often has the added bonus of providing carers with a break from their caring responsibilities.”

MP Mark Harper, Minister of State for Disabled People, said: “Through the Accessible Britain Challenge Awards we aim to recognise organisations like Breakaway Supported Holidays for their efforts as well as raise awareness and motivate other organisations to follow suit.

"We want everyone to get on board and enable disabled people to participate fully and actively in society.”

“What’s so special about these awards is that nominations were made by disabled individuals or organisations.

"People came forward to nominate these organisations because they know from first-hand experience that the work they do is life-changing.”

For more information about Breakaway Supported Holidays visit: www.breakawaysupportedholidays.co.uk