Room For Opportunity | Accommodation in central London for youth and school groups

For over 15 years, staff at Bolton Sensory Support Service dreamed of bringing a group of visually impaired children to London. However, the cost of accommodation made the trip unaffordable.

Many of the children come from low-income backgrounds and had limited opportunities to experience major cultural and educational attractions. Some had never travelled beyond their local area, visited a theatre, or explored the nation's capital.

During their two-day stay, the children:

Visited some of London's most iconic landmarks
Enjoyed a theatre performance for the first time
Took part in a visit to Parliament
Experienced the excitement of exploring a major city
Built confidence and independence outside the classroom

The overnight stay allowed the group to enjoy evening activities and make the most of their time in London.

The trip provided opportunities that many of the children would otherwise never have experienced. It broadened horizons, increased cultural awareness, and created lasting memories.

The experience was so successful that the children immediately began asking when they could return.

"We were able to visit London at an affordable price. Having breakfast and a packed lunch provided helped with planning and budgets. It was a wonderful trip that the children will never forget; they loved every second."

"The rooms were immaculate, clean and large, and the staff were wonderful with the children. It made the difference between us being able to afford a trip or not."

Bolton Sensory Support Service

An initative by the German YMCA. In London since 1860

Opening Up London for Children with Visual Impairments

The trip provided opportunities that many of the children would otherwise never have experienced. It broadened horizons, increased cultural awareness, and created lasting memories.