A Memorable Weekend of Connection and Support

On a sunny weekend in May 2024, five families came together at Kench Hill, for a weekend of fun led by 21 Together staff in conjunction with the Rotarians of Medway Rotary Club.

Our Aim: Human Connection, Sibling and Parent Mental Health Support

At 21 Together, we’re dedicated to enhancing the lives of young people with Down's syndrome by improving their social, communication, and independence skills. We also understand the importance of supporting their families, who often feel isolated or in need of support. Thanks to the generous backing of the Rotarians, we recently hosted a free weekend retreat designed to provide parents, carers, and siblings with much-needed respite, well-being workshops, and quality time together.

Welcoming New Families into Our Community

We were thrilled to see many new faces join us for this weekend, marking their first engagement with 21 Together. These families are now part of our growing community, and we look forward to supporting them further in the future.

A Picturesque Retreat at Kench Hill

Our weekend was set in the idyllic surroundings of Kench Hill, complete with ample outdoor space, ponies, chickens, and exceptional catering. We were fortunate to enjoy the hottest and driest weekend of the year, making our stay even more delightful.

An Evening of Connection and Fun

The retreat kicked off with an evening for parents to socialize and share their experiences, while our trained staff organized games for the young ones. Siblings were encouraged to connect with others who shared similar experiences, all while enjoying some much-deserved time for themselves.

A Day of Adventure and Nostalgia

Saturday morning began with a delightful buffet breakfast, followed by a trip to Tenterden where we boarded the famous Steam Railway to Bodiam Castle. The platform buzzed with entertainment as it was a 1940’s wartime theme weekend. We even encountered members of Dad’s Army and other travelers in stylish 40’s attire, adding a touch of nostalgia to our journey.

Workshops and Playtime

In the afternoon, parents engaged in development workshops focused on wellbeing, stress relief, and strategies for positively supporting their children. Meanwhile, our young participants enjoyed large group games, and siblings had the opportunity to share their experiences and enjoy time on their own terms. We encouraged siblings to step out of their usual caregiving roles and relish the freedom of the moment.

Evening Entertainment and Fun

After a superb barbecue, we were treated to a performance by Mick Abbot, the ‘human jukebox,’ who entertained us with a vast repertoire of songs. The evening was filled with dancing, singing, and laughter, creating wonderful memories for all.

Sunday’s Activities and Farewells

On Sunday morning, Kench Hill staff collaborated with our team to host a pizza-making workshop for the children. Meanwhile, parents and siblings participated in a lively orienteering exercise. The competition was fierce, and the excitement was palpable!

The freshly made pizzas and homemade salads for lunch were a hit, bringing everyone together for a final meal. After heartfelt farewells and expressions of gratitude to our hosts at Kench Hill and the generous Rotarians, families departed in the early afternoon.

Positive Feedback and Lasting Memories

The feedback from all participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents appreciated the professional support their children received and found the workshops incredibly beneficial. The young people with Down’s syndrome had an absolute blast, and their siblings forged strong friendships and had meaningful discussions with other siblings and our experienced staff.

We’re grateful to everyone who made this weekend possible and look forward to more opportunities to connect, support, and grow together as a community.

Once again - We cannot thank the Rotary Club of Medway enough for funding this entire weekend. They have been an amazing support to the charity for the last year and we are so lucky to have them.