When care goes beyond the home: Zac's Edinburgh adventure

Three men pose at night in front of illuminated EDINBURGH letters, with festive lights, red railings, and a large Ferris wheel in the background.

At Thames House in Rochdale, supporting people to live fulfilling lives goes beyond day-to-day care within the home.

Recently, resident Zac enjoyed a festive break in Edinburgh, made possible through careful planning and the dedicated support of the Thames House care team.

Person-centred planning from the start

For Zac, travelling to Edinburgh was a personal goal, and months of preparation went into ensuring the trip met his needs, interests, and aspirations.

Working closely with colleagues Martina, Dennis, Israel, and Aaron, Zac was fully involved in planning every aspect of his holiday.

Together, they researched accommodation, explored activities across the city, and chose places to eat.

This collaborative approach ensured Zac felt confident and relaxed ahead of the journey, allowing him to look forward to the experience and make the most of his time away.

Two people sit on a wooden swing decorated with greenery under a BOATHOUSE sign. The beach and sea are in the background, and it is evening or night-time. One person wears a beanie and jacket.
Three men pose at night by the Greyfriars Bobby statue in Edinburgh. The pub with the same name is visible in the background, and the street is wet as if it has recently rained.

Exploring Edinburgh's festive highlights

During the trip, Zac explored some of Edinburgh’s most popular landmarks.

One highlight was a winter visit to Portobello Beach, where he enjoyed the arcades followed by a traditional fish and chips dinner by the sea.

Zac also visited Edinburgh’s Christmas markets, and enjoyed a ride on the big wheel to take in the views across the city, which became a highlight of the trip.

Three men sit at colourful racing arcade games. Two smile at the camera, while one flexes his arm. Bright neon lights and game screens fill the lively background.
Three men pose at night by the Greyfriars Bobby statue in Edinburgh. The pub with the same name is visible in the background, and the street is wet as if it has recently rained.

Reflecting on a memorable experience

About his time away, Zac shared: “My time in Edinburgh has been amazing. I have been able to do so much and loved every minute of it.”

My favourite part was taking a ride on the big wheel at the Christmas market, where I could see the whole city. It’s been a great trip for me.”

Martina Morgan, Unit Manager at Thames House, highlighted the importance of person-centred planning to ensure the trip was a success.

She said: “It was a real pleasure to help Zac plan and enjoy his trip to Edinburgh.

“From the very start, Zac was involved in every decision, from where to stay to what he wanted to see and do, which helped build his confidence and excitement ahead of the journey.

Seeing how much he enjoyed exploring the city was incredibly rewarding for the whole team. Supporting people to achieve their goals is a really important part of what we do, and we’re proud to have been part of such an important trip for Zac.”

Enabling independence through meaningful experiences

Trips like this reflect Exemplar Health Care’s commitment to empowering people with complex needs to access meaningful experiences, build independence, and create lasting memories.

By placing individuals at the centre of planning and support, the team help turn aspirations into achievable and rewarding experiences.