Summer Trip 2026

Each summer LWA organises a trip for the Women and Children on our service. This year we decided to go to The Highland Wildlife Park.

The day started off with the staff meeting the women and children before jumping on the bus. We lucked in with the weather and got beautiful views all the way through to Kincraig.

Most of the women had never met before and only some of the children knew each other through the activities that the CYP (Children and Young Person) team had organised during the summer holidays.

Once arriving at the park, we drove round the “Main Reserve” in the bus. This was an opportunity for everyone to see animals including Vicuna, European Elk, Bison, Pzewaiski’s horse’s and different types of deer.

After driving around the reserve, the women and children then had the chance to explore the park on their own. Meanwhile, the staff also took the opportunity to explore the park and visit the animals.

Sadly, there were a few animals like the polar bears and tigers that neither the staff nor service users managed to see. Perhaps it was due to the very hot weather that the animals were hiding in the shade, enjoying a siesta, or maybe they just didn’t want to be seen that day.

After all the walking around, before we knew it was time to get back to the bus and head home.  Staff and service users noted how much they enjoyed the day.  Trips like these depend on our service user’s uptake and taking part.  Staff put in a lot of time and organisation to make the trips successful. Without uptake and service users attending, group trips are unlikely to not go ahead.

We want to thank the service users who attend and for making it such a lovely and enjoyable day. We would also like to say a big thank you to all the people who have donated money to LWA, without the generous donations trips like these wouldn’t happen.