Dream-A-Way has been making a difference to Devon’s children and adults with disabilities since 1993. We provide grants towards holidays and arrange fun days out so our guests can enjoy a much needed break.
We are a special charity as we’re run completely by volunteers who give their time and services freely so we don’t incur any administration costs. No one receives any honoraria, payments or expenses so we are able to help even more guests!
Over 15,000 people have benefited since our launch including families, individuals and groups of all ages. People have enjoyed holidays throughout the UK, Europe and the rest of the world that have provided memories that will last a lifetime. To find out more about the experiences our guests have enjoyed, take a look at our Holidays Section.
How We Started
In 1993, a group of ten friends started discussing ways to help others without high administrative costs and decided to form Dream-A-Way. The charity soon succeeded beyond their wildest dreams and some of the people who originally set up the committee are still involved.
Milestones
Dream-A-Way has reached several milestones since our journey began in 1993. Some of our highlights include:
1999 First Luxury Holiday Home Purchased
It was an exciting time in 1999 when we took delivery of our first luxury holiday home sited at Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, Sandy Bay, near Exmouth. Our President, Nigel Mansell CBE, cracked open the bubbly assisted by our Patron, Sir John Evans QPM DL.
In 2016, thanks to our amazing supporters, we purchased our ninth holiday home to help even more people enjoy a Dream-A-Way holiday!
2008 Queens Award for Voluntary Service
In June 2008, we were awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – The MBE for Volunteer Groups (formerly The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award). It is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK for outstanding work done in local communities.
2010 We’ve raised £1 million!
Early in 2010 we reached our first £1 million in donations. This was a massive achievement for our volunteers and is testament to and the wonderful support of local communities and companies. The photo includes Nigel Mansell CBE, Sir John Evans QPM DL and the Lord Mayor of Exeter.
2009 Affiliation with HMS Defender
HMS Defender and the Ship’s Company have honoured us by selecting us as one of their main beneficiaries. Defender is one of the Royal Navy’s newest and most advanced warships and has close links with Exeter and Glasgow. We are delighted to receive their support.
If you’d like to find out more about volunteering with us or how to support us, please click here or to make a donation, simply click here.
