Released: 28 November 2008

The first ever Breakaway weekend - the UK's first adventure activities break devised specifically for young people with bowel and bladder diversions, and their families - took place in August last year. Held in North Wales, the event was a roaring success with children and their families enjoying a range of activities including walking, canoeing and a disco - all in spite of the wet Welsh weather!

Breakaway organisers Rachel Clarkson and Julie Bastin never thought they could better that first weekend, but they were wrong. The 2008 event, hosted in May at YHA National Forest, in the East Midlands, saw the number of families - including four-year-olds to adults - almost double that of 2007.

The third Breakaway weekend will be held on 22 May 2009 for three nights, at YHA Broadhaven, Pembrokeshire in South Wales. Designed by people who have extensive knowledge of living with bowel and bladder dysfunction, the programme offers a unique opportunity to meet families in similar situations, to talk and share experiences and to take part in fun and confidence-building adventure activities.
Stoma Care Nurses are always on hand to offer support and advice along with camp counsellors who have first-hand knowledge of living with ostomies. But remember, the main aim is to have fun!

The cost is £150 per person, which includes full board and all activities. Funding support may be available to families of limited means. Please ask for a funding application form.

See www.breakaway-visit.co.uk for more information and to see the forums and gallery of the previous years' activities. Places are limited, so call Rachel on 07751 560013 or email break.away@tiscali.co.uk to book your place.