Katie Chown | Trevassack Holidays

One Stay at Trevassack Holidays Changed Everything

Katie Chown — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:04:27 +0000

A Place to Breathe: How One Stay at Trevassack Holidays Changed Everything for the Griffiths Family

When Lizzie and Ian Griffiths found themselves between homes during a major renovation, they never expected that a temporary stay at Trevassack Holidays would end up reshaping the course of their family’s life.

The Griffiths are local to Helston and from a family of sailors, but they weren’t coming to Trevassack Lake for a holiday on the water. Instead, they were seeking something far more fundamental: dignity, safety and a chance to feel like a family again.

Their son Tom, now 21, was born with a rare medical condition that means he must be fed through a tube directly into his heart. His immune system is virtually non-existent, making infection a constant and life-threatening risk. On top of this, Tom lives with severe autism, making change incredibly challenging for him.

Until recently, the family’s only way to bathe Tom was in a makeshift paddling pool set up in their living room. It was undignified, unsafe and unsanitary – particularly for someone so vulnerable. Despite their pleas, the system offered no real solution. In fact, it seemed determined to separate them: the only proposed alternative was to move Tom into residential care. But for the Griffiths, that was never an option.

“He’s our son. Sending him away would have broken us,” says Tom's mum, Lizzie.

The battle to keep Tom at home escalated all the way to the top of NHS England. The family fought tirelessly – then the pandemic hit, stalling everything. Finally, they were able to secure a new property through the housing association LiveWest and began transforming the entire ground floor into a bespoke care apartment, complete with space for Tom’s 24 hour care team. But the transition was daunting. Tom hadn’t had a bath since he was four years old and the very idea of hoisting and bathing was alien and frightening.

Then they found Trevassack Holidays.

The family stayed in Lizard House for over a month while their home was being adapted – and for the first time in years, they had space. Real, functional, accessible space. The integrated ceiling track hoist in the bedroom and adjoining wet-room allowed them to help Tom into a proper bath with care, calm and dignity. Using familiar routines – such as playing a favourite film on the iPad – they earned his trust of the new contraption. And once he was in? He didn’t want to get out.

“He absolutely loved it,” Lizzie laughs. “The only problem was getting him to leave the bath!”

The experience gave the family something they’d barely dared hope for: a vision of what life could be like. The facilities at Trevassack became a blueprint for their new home, showing them what really worked. Other so-called accessible options had fallen short – clumsy mobile hoists, non-adapted baths, cramped changing areas – but here, everything was designed with real-world needs in mind. From the integrated ceiling hoist to the wide doorways, the separate carer room to the dog-friendly policy, it all added up to something rare and precious: normality.

“It was life-changing. Actually, it was life-saving.”

Trevassack wasn’t just a temporary stop; it was proof of concept. It gave them the confidence to fight harder, the clarity to plan better and, most of all, a moment to breathe. It was both Tom’s dad’s birthday and his grandmother’s 80th while they were there – two milestones they were able to celebrate as a family, in comfort and togetherness.

They also credit Karen, one of the compassionate site wardens, whose background in care meant she instinctively understood what the family needed.

“Nothing was too much trouble,” Lizzie says. “She made it feel safe. That means everything when you’re constantly fighting for basic rights.”

Today, Tom is rewriting the rules. He’s now the longest-surviving patient of his condition in the South West, having defied his original prognosis of just seven years. He’s living proof that with the right support, people can not only survive – they can thrive.

“Tom is our reason for everything,” his mother says. “We took his photo to every meeting, to remind people he’s not a number. He’s a son, a brother, a person. And he deserves to live as such.”

The Griffiths’ story is one of love, persistence and transformation – and Trevassack Holidays was there at a pivotal moment. It wasn’t just a place to stay. It was a bridge between what they’d endured and what they hoped to build. A safe harbour during the storm.

They haven’t had a real holiday in over 21 years. But for those few weeks at Trevassack, they found peace. Space. Dignity. And a renewed belief in what’s possible.

From all of us at Trevassack Holidays – thank you, Griffiths family, for letting us be a part of your journey.

Trevassack Holidays is a Gold award winner for Accessibility and Inclusivity, a not-for-profit venture owned by Children’s Sailing Trust.

Christmas in Bradbury House

Katie Chown — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 09:37:31 +0000

Christmas & New Year at Bradbury House, Trevassack Lake

A Festive Escape in the Heart of Cornish Countryside

December in Cornwall is a special kind of magic; crisp air, starry skies and quiet moments by the water. If you’re dreaming of a Christmas or New Year getaway that blends comfort, accessibility and breath-taking scenery, Bradbury House at Trevassack Lake is the perfect choice.

This three-bedroom, self-catering holiday cottage sleeps up to six guests and sits right on the water’s edge. Its vaulted ceilings, underfloor heating and full-height windows make it a bright yet cosy space for festive gatherings.

Thoughtfully Designed for Everyone

Bradbury House is more than just a cottage – it’s designed with accessibility in mind, that means everyone can enjoy a stress-free, inclusive Christmas break together:

Step-free access and wide doorways
Wet-room style bathrooms with optional grab rails
Electric profiling beds and ceiling hoist systems available
Adjustable kitchen counters for ease of use
Open-plan living space, ideal for families and carers

Christmas Morning by the Lake

Picture arriving just before Christmas, stepping inside to a warm, light-filled living area and taking in the view over Trevassack Lake. Your beds are made, the kitchen is ready for a festive feast and, outside on the decking, the private hot tub is waiting for a starlit soak.

Christmas Day

Cook up your favourite Christmas dinner in the fully equipped kitchen, then gather together in the open-plan lounge to share gifts and festive games.

Boxing Day

Take a bracing winter walk along the coastline of the Lizard Peninsula or stay cosy with hot chocolate and board games.

New Year's Eve

Toast midnight from the hot tub under a clear Cornish sky, then start the new year with a peaceful morning by the lake.

Why Choose Bradbury House for Your Festive Break

Spacious and Modern – plenty of room for up to six guests
Fully Accessible – designed for guests with mobility needs
Cosy and Warm – underfloor heating and plenty of space to bring a tree
Unbeatable Views – wake up to the water every day
Private Hot Tub – enjoy winter stargazing in comfort

Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Stay

Book early to secure your preferred festive dates

Arrange for a grocery delivery to stock up for Christmas dinner

Pack extra blankets and warm clothes for those coastal walks

Consider pre-booking accessible equipment you might need

Make This Christmas or New Year One to Remember

Bradbury House isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a place to make memories. Whether you’re looking for a cosy family Christmas, a peaceful escape, or an inclusive space where everyone can celebrate together, Trevassack Lake is the perfect backdrop.

Book your festive stay now and make this year’s holiday season truly unforgettable.

New Year Competition | Trevassack Holidays Prizes

Katie Chown — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 11:40:30 +0000

Enter Here ->

A New Year Giveaway!
We’d really love to be able to tell more people about the wonderful things happening here at Trevassack Holidays, but we’ve no way of contacting you – so as a thank you for letting us into your inbox every now and then, we’re offering some prizes towards your holiday at Trevassack.

£75 gift voucher to put towards any Trevassack Holidays booking made during 2025

£50 gift voucher to put towards any Trevassack Holidays booking made during 2025

1 hour family fun session on an accessible Megaboard at Trevassack Lake (up to 5 people)

Terms and Conditions

Competition entry is automatic on signing up to our Trevassack Holidays email mailing list and so opting in to receive occasional emails about staying at Trevassack Lake.

Competition Period:

The competition is open to all eligible participants who sign up for the Trevassack Holidays marketing mailing list between 12:00 AM GMT on January 15, 2025, and 11:59 PM GMT on February 28, 2025.

Eligibility:
To enter the competition, participants must:

Be aged 18 or over.

Only one entry per person is permitted. Duplicate entries will be disqualified.

Entry:

Participants will automatically receive one (1) entry upon signing up to the Trevassack Holidays mailing list.

No purchase is necessary to enter the competition. By entering the competition you agree to these Terms and Conditions.

Prizes:
The competition will have three winners:

1st Prize:
£75 voucher towards a holiday at Trevassack Holidays

2nd Prize:
£50 voucher towards a holiday at Trevassack Holidays

3rd Prize:
1 hour family accessible Megasup session

Prizes can be redeemed against new bookings made during 2025. You do not have to stay as a guest to redeem the watersports voucher but it must be booked in advance. Can be used in conjunction with other discounts or offers.

Winner Selection:

Winners will be selected at random from all eligible entries after the competition ends.

The draw will take place on 5th March 2025, and winners will be contacted via email within 7 days of the draw.

Claiming Prizes:

Winners must respond to the notification email within 7 days to claim their prize. Failure to respond within this period will result in forfeiture of the prize.

Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or any other alternatives.

Acceptance of a prize requires a guest account to be set up to record contact details of the winner(s) to assign the voucher credit against.

Publicity:
By entering the competition, winners agree to have their names published on Trevassack Holidays’ website and social media platforms for promotional purposes.

Data Protection:

Personal data collected as part of the competition will be subject to our standard Privacy Policy and will not be shared with third parties.

Participants may unsubscribe from the Trevassack Holidays mailing list at any time after the competition closing date by using the unsubscribe link in the post competition email.

General:

Trevassack Holidays reserves the right to amend or cancel the competition at any time, without prior notice.

Trevassack Holidays is not responsible for any technical issues, delays, or errors that may prevent entries from being received or processed.

All prizes are subject to standard Booking Conditions and Code of Conduct.

Governing Law:
The prize draw is being run by CST Trading (Trevassack Holidays). The competition and these terms and conditions are governed by the laws of the United Kingdom, and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the UK.

Guest Review | Space to Explore

Katie Chown — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 12:22:43 +0000

We sponsored an episode of The Skies We’re Under podcast in 2024, a ‘refreshing and relatable podcast that focuses on the realities of parenting children with disabilities’, a media outlet of popular SEND resource, Born At The Right Time. Joanna Holmes works for BATRT and has holidayed with us on several occasions. Here she shares her recommended Things To Do and Places to Visit for families with complex needs staying at Trevassack.

Same S*!t, Better Location!

‘Same S*!t Different Location’ is the title of an episode of ‘The Skies We’re Under’ podcast, a podcast by and for families of children with complex disabilities.

And it’s true… as parent carers, wherever we go as a family the routines of daily care don’t stop because we’re on holiday. Feeds need making, syringes need washing, food needs blending, moving needs to be done safely… and many other things.

These things are as true at Trevassack as much as anywhere BUT when it comes to holidays at Trevassack I would say, ‘Same S*!t, Better Location’!

Firstly, a purpose built accessible holiday home is in many ways much easier to be in than a 1940s semi-detached house adapted in the best way a disabled facilities grant can manage. At Trevassack there’s just so much space! We can move around the house without constantly having to say ‘excuse me Lucy’ as we move her chair yet again to manoeuvre between the dining table and clothes airer. The other thing is the view from the accommodation.

Here it is… not bad in spite of the rain eh?

As you can see, there’s a hoist over the hot tub… oh yes, did I mention that there’s a hot tub? (Another way Claire Milne House is better than our house)

Claire Milne House, one of three, purpose-built holiday houses at Trevassack Lake (along with three wheelchair-friendly cabins), is equipped with an electric profiling bed and integrated electric ceiling track, hoisting through from bedroom to bathroom. There’s also shower seat/commode and a whole host of available aids on request (all free of charge).

This year was our third visit to Trevassack and the 7 hour drive was totally worth it. Of course, the drive is not easy but over the years we’ve honed our ‘Premier Inn one night stay’ procedure pretty well. There’s also great information about motorway services with Changing Places Toilets at https://motorwayservices.uk/Changing_Places – invaluable for planning a long journey. (Although we learned from experience this time to check that the CPT is available on the side of the carriageway you’re on.)

Over the last three years we’ve managed to check out quite a lot of what the area has to offer and can definitely pick highlights, so here are our top tips of what to do while you’re here:

1. Get out on the water with Children's Sailing Trust

As you can see from the pictures, there’s a lake on site. This is where Children’s Sailing Trust provides watersports for all ages and abilities through their CST Experiences. The first year we came we were happy to watch and scope out what was available. I was very nervous about booking anything for Lucy until I’d seen for myself what the situation was. After I’d seen that the set up was in fact just as accessible and well supported as I’d been told by the staff and the website, in year two I picked up the courage for Lucy and I to have a go. This year we tried taking Lucy out sailing but the wind was too calm and she nodded off so our little thrill seeker had a spin in the speedboat instead, again set up for her to be able to be comfortable and access the experience.

Note from TH: you can chat to the watersports team in advance of your holiday to organise bespoke sessions adapted to your individual needs. All guests get 15% discount on activities, too!

2. Wet Wheels South West (Falmouth)

Lucy has loved the wind in her face since she was a tiny baby, which is why a trip out on Wet Wheels has become a holiday staple for us while we’re in Cornwall. Based out of Falmouth, Wet Wheels South West provide sea trips on wheelchair accessible boats. Our tip if you want a trip with Wet Wheels is to book it for close to the beginning of your holiday. They have to cancel if the weather isn’t safe and so if you book for the beginning of your holidays there’s a chance you’ll get to reschedule due to bad weather – I wouldn’t want anyone to miss out. We had two very special bonuses this year. First, Falmouth now has a public Changing Places Toilet near the marina. Second, we saw DOLPHINS!!! Lucy found the dolphins very boring and, once again, going slow sent her to sleep but, as ever, she perked up when the speed got up. The skipper Dave is terrific and makes sure everyone has a great trip.

3. The Eden Project

We’ve been to the Eden Project a couple of times; once before Lucy was born and once on our first visit to Trevassack in 2022. It’s a really special experience and if you’re travelling a long way to Cornwall then it’s one not to miss. Personally I’m a big fan of the lovely warm domes and the rich sensory experience they provide – although summer months it can be a very busy wander around. Access is good around the site for wheelchairs and the design of the domes mean it’s possible to get close to things to see them. It’s a very large site though and there’s only one Changing Places Toilet which is in the visitor centre as you arrive – a long way from the domes, so that’s worth bearing in mind.

4. Cornish Seal Sanctuary

This is only at Gweek, just down the road from Trevassack. We had two visits here last year as your ticket lets you visit for a whole year and we’re from Yorkshire so we like to get our money’s worth. Access around the site is great and there’s a little land train to get around too. No Changing Places though which was a shame and limited the time we could spend there. They’re doing lovely work caring for injured seal pups and releasing them and caring for seals who wouldn’t survive in the wild. You can see the seals close up and they’re easy to see from a wheelchair.

5. Just driving and exploring the coast

Trevassack is on the Lizard peninsula and surrounded by beautiful coastline and fishing villages. Access is not so great in some of these spots as the sea isn’t thinking of ramps when it erodes the coast. We’ve used our 3-wheel buggy and managed to explore which has been a lot of fun. I think it’s good to venture out of your comfort zone sometimes and see what’s possible and each trip we’ve been able to do so knowing we have a safe accessible base to come back to at the end of the day. If you don’t fancy seeing if you can just make it down an ancient slipway (and who could blame you) then there are plenty of coastal roads and well placed car parks to appreciate the beautiful coastline.

Note from TH: Beach wheelchairs are available to borrow on site, if suitable.

Places to eat near Trevassack

The Trevassack Lake Cafe, onsite is a delight. This year a delicious roast on the first full day was a great start to our holiday.

My favourite pasty is an Ann’s Pasty – this may be controversial for some as I know locally Gear Farm is considered the best, but for me Ann’s flaky pastry and peppery filling combo can’t be beaten. Saffron buns are a lovely local treat with butter and cheese but there’s so much delicious food in Cornwall worth exploring.

TLC roast:

The Lizard is one of my favourite places on earth and has been since a terrific trip my husband and I had before we had Lucy. I’m so glad we found Trevassack and have a place we can go to share it with her.

So yes, to a degree any holiday involves the same s*!t in a different location, as wherever we go we have to pack loads of things other families don’t have to think about, but having places like Trevassack to spend time in provides us not just the physical but the mental space to take time out together as a family.

WRITTEN BY: Joanna Holmes

Jo is a parent/ carer. She lives in west Yorkshire with her husband Drew and daughter Lucy.

She is a Trainer and Partnership Development Officer at Born at the Right Time.

To find out more about Born at the Right Time and listen to The Skies We’re Under Podcast go to https://www.bornattherighttime.com

Mobility Equipment from the Mark Master Masons of Cornwall

Katie Chown — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 15:59:39 +0000

When we were first setting up the facilities and future of everything here at Trevassack Lake, we were blessed with the generosity of the Mark Master Masons of Cornwall who helped fund the construction of a unique floating structure. And a few years later, they’re back to help in other, much appreciated ways.

In May, Children’s Sailing Trust announced the awarding of monies from The Mark Benevolent Fund so that we may make much-requested improvements to our holiday facilities at Trevassack Lake, with the following Facebook Post:

Our grateful thanks go once more to The Mark Benevolent Fund for supporting our recent grant application!

Children’s Sailing Trust is looking forward to taking delivery of several items of new accessibility equipment which will help those with physical disabilities access our facilities, allowing them to enjoy everything we have to offer at our Trevassack Lake site unhindered. Watch this space for an update when the fabulous new equipment arrives!

Thank you Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Cornwall

#charity #cornwall #grantapplications #fundraising #accessibilityforall #ImageDescription an image of Trevassack Lake with the logo of The Mark Benevolent Fund overlayed.

The generous sum awarded on this occasion allowed our Sales & Accommodation Manager, Deborah, to hit the Buy Now button on some specialist items that we had long coveted – an Oxford Up to aid people in standing up from a sitting position, an AirFlo mattress, to allow adjustable firmness for those relying on an electric profiling bed and then (trumpet fanfare please) THREE hot tub hoists that enable the safe transfer of people in and out of the private hot tubs.

Previously we had just the one hot tub hoist that we shared fairly between all six properties, depending on need and availability. It made such a massive difference to those who used it, not just in the therapeutic properties of being able to use a hot tub, but the ability to use a hot tub with their family and friends at all!

Deborah joyfully contacted all of our upcoming guests, to let them know the good news and the responses back are just a prelude of what will become when they get to experience a hassle-free holiday here. All the accessibility equipment at Trevassack Holidays is provided as standard, if required, with no additional charges – why should you have to pay extra for conveniences that make your life easier? Here is just a snippet of the feedback we’ve had from the news, to date:

Hi Deborah Thank you for your email, that is brilliant news! Thank heavens for generous charities, making life better for disabled people. I am sure my granddaughter will now enjoy the hot tub. Kind regards,

Beverley

Guest

Amazing! Thanks great news and will make a massive difference to us.

Jo

Thats fabulous news thank you so much!

Deborah K

Hi, That's brilliant news! Thank you for letting us know. Many thanks,

Shannon

Hi Deborah, That's wonderful news, we can't wait for our stay. Many thanks

Karina

That is amazing, thank you so much Deborah xx

Sinead

That’s brilliant to have hoist for hot tub, we will bring our own sling. We cannot wait for our trip now. Thanks so much. Kind Regards

Siobhan

Wow, this is amazing, many thanks. It will really help our backs. Best wishes

Amanda

Thank you, great news.

Elizabeth

Super - thank you.

Stephen

Once the treasured items were in place, looking smart with their dedication plaques commemorating the donation, we were ready for the arrival of our VIPS.

On Friday 7th June, we were delighted to welcome Peter Furness, the Mark Provincial Grand Master himself, plus Jeremy Squibb (Provincial Charity Steward), Simon Trevains (Provincial Secretary), David Trevains (Provincial Registrar) along with our friend, Kevin Hicks, MBF Trustee, who had visited recently for lunch at our lakeside cafe and follow up on progress, resulting in this latest gift.

Kevin Hicks gave a short speech to present us with the cheque in front of one of the purchased hoists, situated at Clare Milne House, with the lake in the background.

Kevin’s words:

“Martin, Jakie, Emma, Katie and All from Children’s Sailing Trust.

It was about 8 years ago when a cheque was presented to the HRCST (as it was then known) by the St Michael’s Lodge No175 from Helston for £250, and it was suggested by my past Provincial Secretary, Raymond Lewry, that they may need further help.

I, as PGM at the time, and my Deputy, Peter Johns, went to the BIG HOUSE at Bonython and met Richard Nathan in very convivial surroundings in his summerhouse and overlooking his pool.

He showed me plans which showed a very ambitious plan for an old serpentine quarry “just down the road” for a centre for disabled and able-bodied children “To have fun together”.

We went down and saw a bare quarry, filled with water and it was very muddy and raining, and I thought, VERY AMBITIOUS!

On the plan was an idea for a floating classroom which fitted well with the MBF’s giving criteria and after many unsuccessful plans by you, delivery problems and COVID I had the pleasure in presenting on behalf of the MBF, a cheque for £40,000 – we can see Floaty outside, which I understand is a great success and well used.

The Provincial Grand Master Peter Furness and his team have come here today to further support this amazing project and on behalf of the Mark Benevolent Fund and our over 33,000 Mark Masons throughout England, Wales and its Districts and Lodges overseas, it gives me the greatest pleasure to hand over to the Provincial Grand Master to present this cheque for £12,159 for the purchase of disabled hoists.”

Our VIPs had a tour of the site while CEO Jakie Jewell spoke to them about the charity work and the provisions we have for special needs guests, and the group embarked on a trip aboard Floaty, the ‘boat’ they funded that is our fully accessible floating classroom that is suitable for wheelchair users.

We would very much like to thank the Master Masons and Mark Benevolent Fund for their kind support of all we do here, on behalf of Children’s Sailing Trust, Trevassack Holidays and our guests.

Trevassack on TV – Sunshine Getaways on Channel 5

Katie Chown — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:28:20 +0000

It was a normal day at Trevassack Lake for holidays. The sun was shining, the cafe was serving delicious coffees to our guests and visitors, a few people took to the water… Oh, and a small group of celebrities turned up to film a new television show!

Sunshine Getaways with Amanda Lamb

We were extremely professional in our excitement, of course. Polite conversation being made with A Place in the Sun star, Amanda Lamb, soon turned into fun and laughter as inhibitions around the cameras slipped away and the true spirit of our staff and accommodation shone through – as did the sun! Lucky, really, as the programme being shown on Channel 5 (Wednesday 17th January, 2024 at 6pm) is called Sunshine Getaways, and our very own Calcite Cabin was showcased as a fabulous getaway on the Lizard peninsula, Cornwall.

Calcite Cabin on Channel 5

It’s a great holiday home for anyone looking for a tucked away location with amazing views, private hot tub, on site facilities and close proximity to some of the best beaches and coves in the South West. Anyone is welcome here, no matter your age or ability, or even number of legs – we’ve dog-friendly places to stay, too.

Calcite Cabin is a quirky, luxury self-catering place to stay (and sunshine getaway!) perched metres from the edge of 10 acre freshwater Trevassack Lake near Helston. Stay here for a quiet retreat just the two of you (watersports optional!) and enjoy a hot tub under the stars, or bring family or friends for a fun adventure holiday, with lots and lots of getting wet!

The cabins are each cleverly converted from two large shipping containers, creating a spacious open plan living space with large wet-room. Every property has its own hot tub inset into the huge deck, perfect for al fresco breakfasts before the day’s adventures and retiring into bubbly heaven of an evening.

Holiday on the Lizard, Cornwall

The bonus of Trevassack is the entire site is fully accessible, so no matter your situation, you can enjoy time away from the mundane home routine in comfort and safety. As one of our wheelchair-using guests, who stayed in Bradbury House, remarked, ‘I don’t feel disabled here’. Mission accomplished.

Fancy a getaway in Cornwall? Check our live availability calendars – we just can’t promise you’ll see any celebrities!

Watch Channel 5’s Sunshine Getaways featuring Calcite Cabin, Trevassack Lake, on Catch Up >

GOLD for Accessible & Inclusive Tourism 2023/2024

Katie Chown — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 11:59:37 +0000

Cornwall Tourism Awards 2023

The Finalists were announced in October for the 22^nd year of the Cornwall Tourism Awards and we are very proud to say that following our success last year, when our new Trevassack Lake HQ won two awards, we once again found ourselves in Truro Cathedral on 23^rd November 2023.

It’s taken three months of judging, to get to this stage of this year’s Cornwall Tourism Awards for us to learn whether we had won Gold, Silver or Bronze for our site at Trevassack Lake…

GOLD FOR CHILDREN’S SAILING TRUST’S TREVASSACK HOLIDAYS AT CORNWALL TOURISM AWARDS

GOLD FOR ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSIVITY

Tourism Award for Trevassack Lake

“Winners were announced at a glittering ceremony in Truro Cathedral on 23rd November, with successful businesses in many categories fast tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in March 2024 with some invited to represent Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in the 2024 national VisitEngland Awards, in which Cornwall has often excelled.”

The award categories covered everything from dog friendly, active experiences and cafes to glamping, hotels and pubs with a Winner of Winners title, a Tourism Leadership award and special Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award also presented on the night.

Jakie Jewell, CEO, attended the ceremony;

“It was a very exciting evening, receiving validation for everything we’ve worked so hard to achieve the past few years – the site has now been open for two seasons so we are blown away at achieving the Gold award so early in our journey. Trevassack Lake is the HQ of Children’s Sailing Trust charity and our Centre of Excellence for accessible holidays and watersports – Trevassack Holidays and CST Experiences are Not-For-Profit, and open to all ages and abilities, supporting the work we do with local schoolchildren and SEND groups. The feedback we’ve had so far has been humbling. I’d like to give special thanks to The Clare Milne Trust and The Bradbury Foundation for their funding and support of two of our three high-dependency lakeside holiday lodges and to our staff and trustees for their commitment and passion every single day.

I’d also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all involved – a huge congratulations to all of the finalists of CTA23. And we look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible to Trevassack Lake in the future.”

L-R Jakie Jewell, CEO | Deborah Lawson, Accom Manager | Katie Chown, Marketing Manager

CST Background

2023 marks the 26th year of providing local children with sailing opportunities that they wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to take part in. Through spending time out on the water with their peers, young people learn skills that help them in all aspects of life; confidence, competence, resilience and critical thinking. Whether or not they choose to continue on towards further qualifications, each child comes away with a sense of pride and achievement.

The charity relies heavily on grants and donations in order to cover running costs of operating subsidised Helford River sailing courses as well as continue providing these amazing experiences for young people for another 25 years. Therefore, the development of Trevassack Lake is a forward-thinking strategy to ensure financial stability for the Trust while benefitting the local community.

All ages and abilities are welcome at Trevassack, with the whole site being developed to be as inclusive and accessible as possible, with hoists and adapted craft allowing our experienced staff to help people with disabilities to get out on the water. The location is unique and jaw-dropping – first time visitors always have the same, amazed reaction when they round the corner from the car park and the ex-quarry opens up before them. It’s still a beautifully natural location, with an array of bird life swooping the 10-acres of freshwater – plus it’s a chemical-free site, so no noisy engines or smelly petrol to disturb the environment with everything run on solar, underwater-source heat pumps or electric.

Children’s Sailing Trust’s purpose is to provide life-affirming watersports opportunities for young people. In 2016 we acquired a disused quarry near Helston, transforming it into an accessible watersports centre with purpose-built holiday accommodation. Trevassack Lake opened in October 2021, 6 months late but to fantastic feedback from customers near and far, who were delighted to finally have fully accessible, self- catering properties in a beautiful, fully accessible location with a great big cherry on top – fully accessible watersports. Oh, and there’s a waterside café, too.

This new CST venture is far from finished but has made a tremendous start, operating as a Not-For-Profit organisation, so that money goes back into helping the charity improve young lives.

SOLVING A NEED

Trevassack Lake is the only outdoor water facility that provides DDA compliant accommodation in the UK – the site was specifically designed to help families, children and adults with a range of physical and learning difficulties feel confident they can get away again.

Grant awards from the Coastal Communities Fund and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural development, allowed for a neglected quarry with 10 acres of sheltered water to be transformed into a year-round watersports facility and this fully-accessible scheme ensures CST can continue to provide watersports that are inclusive for all.

ACCESSIBLE SELF-CATERING HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

High dependency holiday accommodation that includes all the required fixtures and fittings to support individuals and families with special educational needs and disabilities; Bradbury House and Clare Milne House were designed to meet Part M4(3) building regulations, making them fully-accessible units including an integrated ceiling hoist that can transfer a user from bedroom to bathroom. The kitchen is fully accessible with adjustable height hob and drop-down shelves for the wall-hung cupboards. And for 2024, dog-friendly Lizard House has had an integrated Guldmann ceiling hoist fitted, too.

There are 3 additional adapted cabins that can have mobile aids included on request.

ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES FOR ALL

Cornwall has a reputation for outstanding outdoor activities like swimming, sailing, kayaking and surfing but for many residents and holidaymakers, these activities just aren’t possible.

Accessible provisions are low so Trevassack Lake is providing the local community and beyond a place where families can try out watersports and visitors can holiday in accessible environments. The site is for both able-bodied people and those with disabilities to experience the innumerable benefits of watersports, exercise, time in nature and being together for their physical wellbeing and mental health, in a safe, level and welcoming environment. The centre delivers high quality, accessible watersports activities for all, outstanding disabled facilities and a wide range of specialist equipment with the state-of-the-art learning Centre facilitating educational development of local schools and communities.

Discovering Tranquility: 7 Benefits of a holiday by Trevassack Lake in Cornwall

Katie Chown — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 18:17:37 +0000

Are you longing for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? If so, a holiday by Trevassack Lake, an enchanting freshwater ex-quarry on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, might be just what you need. Nestled in the heart of nature, this idyllic destination offers a myriad of benefits to guests seeking tranquility, relaxation, and rejuvenation. And all with your accessible needs catered for.

1. Natural Beauty and Serenity

One of the most compelling reasons to visit Trevassack Lake is its breathtaking natural beauty. This picturesque ex-quarry is surrounded by wildlife and moorland vegetation, creating a serene oasis for visitors. The crystal-clear waters of the lake are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply enjoying a leisurely paddle. The soothing sounds of the water and the tranquil environment provide an instant escape from the stresses of daily life, allowing you to reconnect with nature and find your inner peace. There are no motors or chemicals at the lake, just gentle craft powered by battery, wind or paddles.

2. Reconnect with Nature

In today’s digital age, we often find ourselves disconnected from the natural world. A holiday by Trevassack Lake allows you to step away from your screens and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Lizard Peninsula. You can sit by the lakeshore and contemplate, explore nearby Natural England pathways, and enjoy the myriad of birdlife and plant species that call this area home. The fresh air and the beauty of the landscape will help you to reconnect with nature, refresh your mind, and rejuvenate your spirit.

3. Stress Reduction

The tranquility of Trevassack Lake is a powerful antidote to stress. Stress can have a detrimental effect on our physical and mental health, and taking a break in such a serene environment can work wonders. Whether you choose to unwind on the lakeside or meditate to the sounds of nature, you’ll find that your worries and anxieties melt away, leaving you feeling more relaxed and at ease. There’s always the option of raising your dopamine levels by getting out on the water, too. Plus, all our properties have their own private hot tubs to bubble your troubles away.

4. Family Bonding

Trevassack Lake was created to be a fantastic destination for families, including those with accessible needs. It offers a variety of activities that allow families to bond and create lasting memories together. From being on the water (or in it!) to simply getting away together in quality accommodation, the opportunities for quality family time are abundant. The lack of distractions of everyday life allow for genuine connections and unforgettable moments with loved ones.

5. Adventure Opportunities

While relaxation is a key draw to Trevassack Lake, the Lizard Peninsula also offers a wide range of adventure opportunities. Whether you’re interested in exploring the peninsula’s unique geology, trying your hand at water sports on our 10 acres of fresh water, or venturing on scenic hikes, there is something for every type of visitor. The nearby cliffs and beaches are perfect for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, as we’re only a stone’s throw from the South West Coast Path. Don’t forget to check out the ‘centre of the earth’ on Coverack beach…

6. Unplug and Recharge

Trevassack Lake is an ideal place to unplug from the digital world and recharge your energy. With limited mobile reception, you can choose to be free from the constant distractions of modern life. A digital detox allows you to focus on the beauty of your surroundings and the people you’re with, promoting a sense of well-being and mindfulness.

7. Sustainable Travel

Trevassack Lake and www.trevassackholidays.com are committed to sustainability and environmental conservation. By choosing this destination for your holiday, you can feel good about minimizing your ecological footprint while enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Our site is initially powered by solar panels and underwater heat coils, to reduce our reliance on the National Grid. Plus, our water is all sourced from our very own freshwater lake, filtered, sanitised and ready for you to drink a healthy dose of Cornish Mineral Water.

In conclusion, a holiday by Trevassack Lake on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall offers an opportunity to experience the many benefits of natural beauty, serenity, stress reduction, family bonding, adventure, and a digital detox. It’s a place where you can disconnect from the chaos of everyday life, reconnect with nature, and rejuvenate your mind and body. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both, Trevassack Lake provides an idyllic setting for a memorable and rejuvenating getaway. So, consider planning your next holiday at this hidden gem for an unforgettable experience of tranquility and natural beauty.

I don’t feel disabled here, said David | A Trevassack Review

Katie Chown — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:59:57 +0000

A holiday in Bradbury House

I’m Babs and I’m tired, I am always tired, exhausted really.

I am married to the love of my life, David. We aren’t ancient, early 60’s, too young in fact to be President of the USA. We used to snow ski, David was always the brave one, black runs and whizzing down the slopes – David water-skied competitively. In previous years he used to sail too, and parachuted from planes – he has no fear (well, except snakes).

David had an amazing, high powered job, and is very clever indeed. He had a lot of staff reporting to him, they all looked up to him, he was a really lovely person to work for. He now has primary progressive MS, diagnosed about 12 years ago and is totally wheelchair bound.

Nobody sees him now, I mean, sees him as a person. They speak to me and ask me the questions… ‘would he like sugar?’ ‘Would he like to do this or that?’ David has more intelligence in his little finger than I have at all. Yet, they don’t see him. They see the wheelchair.

I am tired to the point, where I sit and cry. I have lost myself. I used to be fun, look glam a lot of the time, hosting dinner parties for 30 people was easy. I can barely cook dinner for us now. We haven’t had a holiday for so many years and I am running on empty. David seems to have turned into a recluse. We stay at home nearly all of the time, with the odd visit to a local pub for dinner that we know is wheelchair accessible.

It is so incredibly difficult to go anywhere in this wheelchair-unfriendly world. Do you know it took me 6 weeks to find our first ever holiday in years?

So many hotels, cottages etc say ‘wheelchair accessible’, when what they mean is there is a bedroom on the ground floor. Sure, there is a small step up to the narrow front door, the shower is over a bath, there are no grab rails, wet room and heaven forbid there may be a hoist. Truly, if you are a wheelchair-user you aren’t a second-class citizen, you are probably third class at best.

However, David is so positive. He has never, ever complained about having MS and no longer being able to walk or even go for a pee (he has a catheter in situ. TMI, sorry).

If life gives you lemons, make lemonade, or a good gin and tonic

David

He says ‘the best bit of having MS’ (yes, there is a best bit) is that I never know if he has had too much to drink! That is David.

I feel I am letting him down. I am boring and dull and grumpy. I literally do everything for him, as well as everything in the house, from DIY, shelf fitting, boarding a loft, building raised beds, as well as the mundane day to day things. I am so tired I get short with him; I grump and groan, he doesn’t deserve that, but I am just so tired.

I get no help at all. Just me.

Summer is coming, so that will be better – we can sit outside and BBQ and enjoy the view. The thing is, I want David to have the fun he deserves, to do things that able-bodied people do. I may as well hope for a lottery win.

He doesn’t complain though. He constantly says thank you for everything I do, but I know he would do the same for me with a bigger smile on his face.

When I wake in the morning, it’s like that film Groundhog Day. Every day is going to be the same – we don’t have a very large space in our rented bungalow, so I have an ambiturn which is like a railway porters trolley. I use this to get him out of bed, dressed, showered, take him to the loo etc.

We have a young Labrador, that we hope to train as an assistance dog, but he is currently at the stage of ‘wild child’ who loves everyone. So, again this year I tried to find a holiday, which is wheelchair accessible and now dog-friendly too…

Six weeks later, I gave up. It is just so difficult – you use filters on holiday firms’ websites, and they are useless – some don’t even include the word wheelchair!

I cried, David encouraged me, and said we could find somewhere, and that he doesn’t HAVE to have a shower for the week we are away, if there are no facilities, we can just make the best of it…

One morning I was checking what real people were doing on Facebook and I saw the Trevassack page. Well, I couldn’t quite believe my eyes. I felt sure that the photos must be misleading. Grand Designs style houses around a lake, totally disabled-friendly (and I mean friendly) and…water sports for wheelchair-users. Come on, this is a joke right?

We booked.

They day we arrived; I think we said WOW so many times.

The waterside lodge alone, was just stunning – in no way, shape or form, did it resemble the normal, institutionalised disability facility. You had to look hard for the hints.

The building was beautiful inside and out, like an Ideal Home exhibition for the best of what a disabled person should have.

We could not believe it.

The ease of use, the design and style…if someone had said design your own dream accessible home, this was surely it.

Then, we met the staff. Well calling these lovely people staff is insulting – they were like friends or family, well better really, as nothing was too much trouble.

The water sports were a revelation! Not only did we simple love sitting on the deck watching, David also only read half a page of his book! We actually went out on the lake with our mad Labrador, and David in his wheelchair. I could have cried this time from joy.

I indulged in kayaking too and for the first time in years I floated around, relaxed.

Every single part of Trevassack caters for disabled people. We could go for a stroll, go out on the lake, eat in the wonderful bistro and:

WE DIDN’T FEEL DIFFERENT TO ‘NORMAL’ PEOPLE. Can you imagine how that feels?

Babs

One morning David said, “shall I go to the Bistro and bring back coffees?”, because he could, and it was so easy to do.

We could feel ourselves coming back to life as the week went on. It was like being given a second chance at life, and I know that sounds a bit daft, but live our lives for a month, then you will get it.

On the Thursday, I think it was, David turned to me and said, “do you know, I don’t feel disabled here”.

That sums is up.

We learned a lot; how some different equipment can help, for example, so we have a mobile hoist arriving in two days, and we learned to relax and have fun.

Now we are home, I am different. I have found me, I am smiling a lot. I think David must think I have a hip flask tucked in my jeans!

Trevassack has really been a life saver.

From dark days, of thinking what is the point of life, to now looking ahead. We are looking to book at least another visit this year, and I see it is available on my birthday, but that is only three weeks away… is that too soon?!

Thank you to our friends at Trevassack – I really don’t think you know what a total difference you have made to us.

Babs, David and Toby

Mount’s Bay Linen – CST Donation

Katie Chown — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 12:37:26 +0000

Our fantastic, accessible holiday lodges and quirky self-catering cabins have had a full year of welcoming guests, near and far, and the feedback has been fantastic. We’re very proud of the responses we’ve had, from couples looking for a quiet getaway, to family adventure holidays and people with life-limiting conditions who’ve managed to have a much-needed break from their routine – all of them have complained…about having to leave!

To be able to provide these five star experiences, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes day-to-day. A large part of this is laundry – 6 holiday properties go through a lot of towels and sheets! And after our first year of learning what does and doesn’t work here, we decided we definitely need a few more.

Mount’s Bay Linen Hire to the rescue!

We were approached by Children’s Sailing Trust who explained to us about them being a charity-based organisation and they gave us some examples of their amazing achievements. When an opportunity was presented for us to get involved with helping some of the care routines for their guests, we found the perfect solution! We are very pleased to have donated a wide range of linen and towelling items from our in-house stock. On a personal note, we’ve found every member of the CST team to be very professional, friendly and extremely dedicated. We are very much looking forward to building a great relationship and we will continue to help them wherever we can.

Luke, General Manager

We were over-the-moon when MBL came forward with the offer of quality duvets, sheets, towels and such to stock up our shelves and keep our guests warm and comfortable for seasons to come. They’re such a positive, forward-thinking team, enthusiastic and proactive and, thankfully, very generous – we can’t thank them enough. Now to find space in the linen cupboard…

A little more about MBL, in their own words;

We’re a family-run business established in 2014. As we are a local team based near Penzance, we understand the challenges and seasonality of businesses trading in Cornwall and the need for creating and developing close relationships with our customers. Providing an exclusive range of quality linen and superb customer service in Cornwall for holiday lets, guesthouses, hotels, we offer 3 different linen ranges; base range, luxury range (200tc, 100% cotton) and a premium range (300tc, 100% cotton).

If you’re interested in their services, make sure to follow their Facebook page which will give you updates on recent events and more of an insight into their operation and team:

Mounts Bay Linen Hire Ltd | Penzance | Facebook