HEALTH partners in Somerset have teamed up with Butlin’s to make a ‘bucket list’ dream come true for a group of adults with learning disabilities this Christmas.

The visit to the Butlin’s Minehead resort was arranged after adults from My Day Care Services worked with NHS Somerset and Biggerhouse film to produce a video about the importance of talking about death earlier this year.

During filming the participants revealed their ‘bucket lists’ – a list of experiences or achievements that they hope to complete before they die – and since then the two teams have been working together to make them a reality.

Going to a theme park was on the list for 40-year-old Briony Lane, of Taunton, who lives with her shared lives carers and attends My Day Care Services five days a week. She was among the six-strong group to enjoy a day out courtesy of Butlin’s on December 4.

Butlin’s had plenty on offer for the group during their visit alongside the fairground on resort, including amazing live shows and activities.

Briony said: “It was a dream come true to tick this off my bucket list. We enjoyed planning what we wanted to do and we all had lots of fun. I enjoyed sharing the day out with my friends. Thank you Butlin’s!”

The experience began with a warm welcome from one of Butlin’s iconic Redcoats. Briony and her group then enjoyed a day filled with festive arts and crafts, pottery painting, and Christmas decoration making. They also enjoyed lunch at The Beachcomber Inn and were treated to the exciting live show Animals vs Dinosaurs at Studio 36.

Craig Goodwin, resort director at Butlin’s Minehead, said: “We're delighted to have been a part of such an amazing day with the My Day Care Services and NHS Somerset teams.

“As soon as we were made aware that visiting a theme park was on Briony’s bucket list, we knew we had to fulfil her wish at Butlin’s. We hope the whole group had an amazing time on resort, getting in the festive spirit with all the activities and experiences.”

Rachel Donne-Davis, a health psychologist and part of the Learning from Lives and Deaths (LeDeR) team at NHS Somerset, highlighted the importance of having difficult conversations with loved ones.

She said: “NHS Somerset commissioned the film We Need to Talk about Death to help make it easier to have these difficult conversations with loved ones, friends and carers.

“Fulfilling Briony’s bucket list wish demonstrates how something positive can come out of talking about difficult topics. We’re grateful to Butlin’s for their generosity in helping us bring this wonderful experience to life for Briony and the My Day group this Christmas.”

On behalf of the My Day group, Lucy Durman, director at My Day Care Services, added: “We are so thrilled that we had the opportunity to spend the day at Butlin’s Minehead and would like to thank both Butlin’s and NHS Somerset for making Briony’s wish come true.”