Two residents of the Old Charlton House care home in Cowes had a wonderful day out in the sunshine during the summer. The accessible boating charity Cowes Sailability Club arranged for friends Robin and Mary to take a trip on a wheelchair-friendly motorboat, along with fellow residents, and they loved every minute!
“Robin and Mary really enjoyed the experience, as it took them back to their younger days,” says Debbie Webb, Activities Co-ordinator at Old Charlton House. “They are still absolutely bubbling over with excitement and enthusiasm which is lovely and heartwarming to see. It was a perfect day with perfect weather. They couldn’t have asked for better!”
Cowes Sailability Club offers accessible boat trips to residents of local care homes every year, with the aim of making it possible for everyone on the Isle of Wight to enjoy water-based activities, regardless of their age or ability.
“Within Cowes and our wider island community, there are many older people who live in residential care homes,” explains Trish Rooke, Vice Commodore of Cowes Sailability Club. “Many have lived most of their lives by the sea and yet are no longer able to enjoy the water like they used to, due to frailty or disability. We are delighted to be able to make boat trips accessible to these older people in our community and to give them the opportunity to have really uplifting days out in the fresh air that improve their wellbeing and quality of life.”
The trip for residents of Old Charlton House was one of several motorboat excursions organised by Cowes Sailability Club during the summer of 2024 with funding awarded by Postcode Society Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Prior trips were organised for young people with disabilities and their families.
Postcode Society Trust focuses on providing financial support for charities and good causes to help communities improve health and wellbeing, reduce isolation and undertake arts and physical recreation activities
The trip for Old Charlton House residents took place on a wheelchair-accessible motorboat, chartered by Cowes Sailability Club and owned and operated by Wetwheels Hamble CIC. Specially designed to cater for people with disabilities, Wetwheels Hamble can accommodate ten passengers, including up to three wheelchairs, on every excursion.