The Green Island Holiday Trust provides holidays for people with disabilities in a beautiful setting on the shores of Poole Harbour.

The Trust was founded in 1991 on Green Island in Poole Harbour from where it has taken its name.   In 2005 the Trustees decided to relocate the holidays to Holton Lee which has fully accessible facilities for people with disabilities. This is a 350 acre estate on the edge of Poole Harbour.  This delightful estate has woodlands, heathland, large open spaces and harbour views.  It is home to deer, wild ponies and a lot of birds. We rent the premises from them. The holidays are held during the summer months.

Holidaymakers are accommodated in the Woodland and Gateway cottages alongside a dedicated and experienced team of volunteers who provide 24 hour care and support.  Prior to the holiday each guest will be visited by the Trust’s Coordinator so that the care and support needs of each individual can be assessed.  Each holiday is based around a varied programme of activities and the group share a week of friendship, laughter and good food.  They can explore the beautiful surroundings via the network of wheelchair-friendly paths or venture further afield in a wheelchair-friendly tractor and trailer or pony and trap.  During the week holidaymakers can participate in art and craft sessions, musical evenings, enjoy barbecues (weather permitting) and meals out.  Tailored to the group, off-site activities may include a boat trip around Poole harbour and visits to local attractions and towns.

Every year the Trust organises six one-week long holidays with five places available on each one.  We provide holidays for disabled people living in their own home so that, as well as having a break themselves, their carer(s) receives respite as well.  We also offer holidays to people living in residential homes.  Holiday priority is given to people who live in Dorset and Hampshire.

Our main asset is our volunteers and over the years we have had many who have returned year after year to give a week of their time.  New ones continue to come forward but we are always looking for more. They give unstintingly of their time and look after our holidaymakers 24 hours a day.  It is hard work but incredibly rewarding. Without them we couldn't continue.

For more information, please visit the Green Island Holiday Trust website.