Registered Charity 1040654
01926 622980
WAY AHEAD SUPPORT SERVICES
Providing Person-Centered Care and Support
may 2026
Epic Fundraising Walk
Story
Hello Everyone,
I am about to embark on an epic walk!
The Mission:
As you all know, I’m a keen cyclist and whilst riding my fifth Ride Across Britain in 2024 I came up with this crazy idea about the possibility of maybe walking it? I know, nuts eh? To cycle it took 9 days to do 1000 miles. This challenge will be a totally different kettle of fish because it is more mileage (approximately 1200 miles) and will take much longer. I will be using National Trails, tracks and footpaths nearly all cross country. The walk should take me approximately 60 days not including some rest days.
In preparation, I have clocked up 1000 miles since September, mainly in Warwickshire but also the West Pennines, Sussex and a walking holiday in Turkey.
The Route:
I start the walk Tuesday 5th May at Lands End. I will make my way up the SW Coastal path on the Cornish North coast, then into Devon, through Exmoor, into Somerset, up towards Bath where I’ll pick up the Cotswold Way, Heart of England Way, the Pennine Way and then into Scotland. Then I shall make my way up to Glasgow, get on the West Highland Way, the Great Glen Way and finally from Inverness- the John o’Groats Trail.
I will be staying at campsites, wild camping where permitted and B & B’s.
Thankfully, my wife and son will be helping me with kit swaps and visits to keep me fresh and motivated!
The Charity:
The charity I’ve chosen is one very close to the heart and one I’ve raised money for several times. It’s Way Ahead Support Services, Leamington Spa. It’s a charity which supports vulnerable adults with learning difficulties. This year is a special year for Way Ahead as they are celebrating their 60th year of supporting vulnerable adults in the local area. Way Ahead need a new mini bus for transporting individuals. Currently some individuals are unable to explore their community further. An accessible mini bus with wheel chair access will make a massive difference. All money raised will go towards the funding of a new mini bus. The minibus is within the region of £40,000 which is huge amount to be found but I would love to support in some small way through donations for the walk in respect of all that Way Ahead look to achieve. Way Ahead Support Services is a non profit making organisation which has been supporting vulnerable individuals for sixty years in and around Warwickshire. When the service started, they were known as Mid Warwickshire Mencap. The initial service was developed by parents and carers who had children with learning disabilities and found limited support available. Way Ahead Support Services provides person-centered care and support to vulnerable individuals, which includes home based support. Ages range from 18 – 65+ years. Service user bands include individuals with the following: learning and physical disabilities, individuals on the Autistic Spectrum, mental health, dementia, and sensory impairment. Over the years, they have grown and services currently include Supported Living and Day Service Activities which ensure care and support is delivered in an enabling way. Encouraging the individual to take control of their lives and to be as independent as possible. Support is offered using a Person-Centered approach in the way that meets the individual’s specific needs. I would be so grateful for any donations received. Thank you, Steve.
WHO WE ARE
Way Ahead Support Services is a non profit making organisation which has been supporting vulnerable individuals for over fifty years in and around Warwickshire. When the service started, we were known as Mid Warwickshire Mencap. The initial service was developed by parents and carers who had children with learning disabilities and found limited support available.
Way Ahead Support Services provides person-centered care and support to vulnerable individuals, which includes home based support. Ages range from 18 – 65+ years. Service user bands include individuals with the following: learning and physical disabilities, individuals on the Autistic Spectrum, mental health, dementia, and sensory impairment.
Over the years, we have grown and our services currently include Supported Living and Day Service Activities
which ensure care and support is delivered in an enabling way. Encouraging the individual to take control of their lives and to be as independent as possible. Support is offered using a Person-Centered approach in the way that meets the individual’s specific needs.
SERVICES
Empowering Individuals to have choice and control over how and when their support is delivered
SUPPORTED LIVING SERVICE/ACCOMODATION
Our Supported Living Service, supports individuals with various aspects of living independently; supporting them with their own tenancies, budgeting their finances; being part of the local community, support with personal care following assessment, to access appropriate medical services, support with advocacy and to look at educational and employment opportunities. This is not an exhaustive list and for most individuals these areas will be broken down further. The individual will have a full assessment and then support is provided to meet the needs identified with them.
ACTIVITY SERVICES
Our Day Service Activities promote positive interaction with others, developing creativity and building confidence. It aims to reduce isolation, which can have a negative impact on an individual’s mental health and well-being. We have a building based activity service located in Leamington Spa which run meaningful activity sessions throughout the week. In addition to this we also provide 1-1 support to individuals to access activities of their choice.
