Manx Mencap has taken 45 Islanders on a day trip to Knowsley Safari Park, giving adults with learning disabilities and their carers a rare chance to enjoy a supported day out together.
The group included residents from Manx Mencap’s community homes, people living with their families, and their carers and guardians.
The trip was funded by support from Zurich Isle of Man and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, with Zurich covering entry tickets and the Steam Packet assisting with boat and coach travel.
Debs Dixon, Manx Mencap fundraiser, said many families find arranging days out “daunting, isolating, and often stigmatising”, adding that organised group trips offer “connectedness, safety, support and, most importantly, an opportunity to have fun together as a group.”
Zurich Life International CEO Robert Hartnett said the charity “does amazing work in the local community”, while Steam Packet managing director Brian Thomson said the company was proud to help create “opportunities that make a real difference to people’s lives.”
