The founder of disabled-friendly specialist operator Limitless Travel has called for government action following the closure of a respite holiday charity.
Angus Drummond (pictured), chief executive and founder of Limitless Travel, said he was “deeply saddened” by the closure of Revitalise Respite Holidays and called on the government to “do more to protect essential services like these”.
The charity said in a statement: “Despite every effort to ensure the charity’s survival, the financial challenges we face have become insurmountable.”
A report in the Guardian said about 4,000 people a year used the charity’s two hotels, in Southport, Merseyside, and in Chigwell, Essex. About 190 jobs at the hotels and its 18 charity shops are at risk.
Revitalise will honour all guest breaks booked until November 25.
“Revitalise would like to thank all of our guests for their loyal support throughout the charity’s 60 years of operation,” it added.
“We are deeply sorry that as the UK’s last remaining provider of holidays with 24-hour care for people with complex disabilities, the breaks we provide will now be beyond reach for the majority of our guests.
“It remains our lasting hope that policy makers take heed of the critical state of affairs in the social care sector and ensure that respite is properly funded.”
Drummond commented: “As chief executive of Limitless Travel and a disabled person myself, I am deeply saddened by the closure of Revitalise, a vital provider of respite holidays for disabled people and carers.
“The already limited provisions for accessible holidays are now further strained.
“Hidden costs for disability travel affect both guests and providers, but the benefits to health, wellbeing, and quality of life are undeniable. Without these services, many disabled people will face exclusion and isolation.
“At Limitless, we strive to overcome these challenges, but we can’t do it alone. We loved working with Revitalise, and this loss is a blow to the community.
“The government must do more to protect essential services like these, as the long-term impact on disabled people’s health will ultimately place more pressure on the NHS.
“Supporting accessible travel benefits everyone by improving health outcomes and reducing costs.”