Mum who struggled to book wheelchair-friendly holiday sets up business to make sure everyone has access to a break

The 38-year-old from Whitburn, has set up her own social enterprise Tailored Leisure Company to line up worry-free short breaks in holiday cottages and activities such as exercise classes, spa days and swimming accessible for people with physical disabilities.

Tara, who works as an engagement officer for Health Watch South Tyneside, was inspired by her own experiences of living with cerebral palsy and her professional background, with her team now working to help others across the North East.

She is mum to Molly, 13, a student at Whitburn Academy, and Jack, 10, and a student at Whitburn Primary, who are both registered as young carers.

She said: “As a busy working mother of two young children who uses a large powered wheelchair, I know only too well how hard it is to find a holiday or a simple activity I can do independently that’s fun for all the family and doesn’t require a car full of equipment.

“We live in a world where leisure and short breaks are so important for everyone’s wellbeing, but it’s not as easy when you have a disability or a family member that needs some extra support.

"There are so many things to think about instead of the most important thing which is having fun and making memories.

"I hope our service and the organisations we work with will begin to change that.”

As it works on the holiday plans, her team are talking to families to find out what would make their stay perfect, with a survey set up on the firm’s Facebook page.

It is also developing a spa therapy service featuring a hot tub and changing area for individual or family sessions and pool parties, with a free online exercise programme, Sit to be Fit at Home, already running with the help of a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Tara’s plans have been boosted with a place as an entrepreneur on Innovate for Good, as well as a startup grant from UNLTD and a place on its Move Me On programme.

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