At Redbank House, our specialist Prader-Willi syndrome service in Nottinghamshire, we believe that with the right support, determination, and preparation, dreams really can come true.
For Emma, who has lived at Redbank House since 2007, her dream was to go back to Australia and see family she hadn’t seen in over ten years. In 2024, after years of careful planning by the Redbank House team, that dream came true. It was truly life changing.
A dream years in the making
Emma moved from Australia to England at the age of 16. In 2011, her family moved back to Australia. She kept in touch, but the distance meant she hadn’t seen them in person since then.
For Emma, travelling back to Australia was always a long-term goal. It was important for her to see her family again, and spend time exploring the country she’d grown up in. It had been a goal of Emma’s for many years!
Reaching this goal required patience and determination. Emma saved for years and gained confidence in long-distance travel by taking shorter trips abroad.
In 2022, Emma took a holiday to Mexico with her support team. This trip was crucial for her preparation. It let them see how she managed overseas travel and long flights.
The success of that trip gave everyone confidence that Australia was well and truly possible.
Planning for success
Right from the start, our Redbank House team understood that making Emma’s dream a reality would require a thorough, inclusive, and well-managed approach. Every stage was broken down, planned, and risk assessed to make sure Emma felt supported, comfortable, and safe.
Health and wellbeing were central considerations. Emma has Prader-Willi syndrome. This rare genetic condition affects her appetite, growth, and emotional control.
Emma’s medical professionals were consulted to confirm that the trip would not have a negative impact on her physical health. Travel insurance was secured, and contingency plans were created so that, if challenges arose, the team had strategies in place to respond.
Travel logistics were then carefully managed. Flights were booked to ease stress. First, they had an overnight stay in London. Then, they flew to Dubai before continuing to Australia.
“We didn’t face any challenges during the journey, and everything seemed to run smoothly, with no flight delays,” recalled Janine, Service Manager at Redbank House.
Family coordination was also vital. Virtual meetings with Emma’s relatives in Penrith, New South Wales, helped everyone plan the visit. The team chose accommodation close to her family. They looked at factors like weather and school holidays. This way, Emma could spend more quality time with her loved ones.
Due to Emma’s conditions, we needed to ensure the trip wouldn’t impact her physical health. We risk-assessed all areas and ensured contingency plans were in place before travel.
Janine, Service Manager at Redbank House
An unforgettable reunion
Emma was joined on the trip by her fiancé James, who we also support at Redbank House. Taking the journey together made the experience even more special. They explored Sydney, visited the zoo, saw the iconic Opera House, and most importantly, reunited with Emma’s family. Emotional hugs, joyful chats, and shared memories of Emma’s younger years in Australia filled the day.
“Going to see my family and spending time with them and the team which supported me was my favourite part,” Emma said. “My fiancé James also came on the trip, and it was lovely to see him meeting all my family.”
For Service Manager Janine, watching the impact of the reunion was moving. “It was a privilege to support Emma over to Australia to reunite with her family. I have worked with Emma for almost 16 years, and I have never seen her so chatty and happy. She was always smiling and was talking to everyone about her memories of when she lived in Australia herself.”
The trip was more than a holiday. It reminded us how important connection, belonging, and support are for reaching our personal goals.
The journey home
After an amazing few weeks, the return journey brought mixed feelings. Saying goodbye to family was hard. However, Emma was excited to see her friends at Redbank House again.
I think the trip went really well! I really enjoyed being back in Australia and seeing all my family. I looked forward to going back home to my friends at Redbank House though.
Emma, Person we support at Redbank House
Redbank House’s top tips for inclusive travel
Emma’s success story shows what teamwork, careful planning, and true person-centred support can achieve.
For others supporting someone to embark on their own dream holiday, Redbank House have some great advice…
- Ensure the accommodation is accessible and appropriate for everyone involved.
- Shop around for flights over time, as prices can vary greatly and impact overall cost.
- Always obtain travel insurance for all travellers.
- Consult medical professionals if there are any underlying health conditions.
- Complete risk assessments for all areas of the trip – for long-haul travel like Australia, there were many!
- Put contingency plans in place before travel.
- Make sure the person being supported is fully involved in the planning process.
A trip to remember
Emma and James’ journey to Australia shows what perseverance, careful planning, and the right support can achieve. For Emma, it was the fulfilment of a long-held dream and a chance to reconnect with her roots. For Redbank House, it was a proud moment. Dedicated planning and teamwork created such an important life experience.
Discover Prader-Willi syndrome support
Learn more about our specialist Prader-Willi syndrome support on our website!