Meet our latest 30 Wishes winners

Specialist sensory and exercise equipment, a three-course Christmas meal extravaganza, a revamped activity space and a top of the range new pool table are the latest wishes granted through Lifeways’ 30 Wishes campaign for 2026. 

Launched as part of our 30th anniversary celebrations in 2025, the campaign is continuing this year due the incredible feedback we have received from people supported, families and frontline teams. It has already helped many of the people we support fulfil long-held dreams or enjoy a special treat that might otherwise be out of reach without financial assistance. 

By making these wishes happen, Lifeways aims to bring a little sunshine into people’s lives. Here are the four successful nominations: 

Special sensory sessions at Abbeymoor 

Emma Moorhead and Sarah Francis, Activity Coordinators at Abbeymoor, were granted their wish for specialist sensory and exercise equipment to enhance activities and wellbeing for the people they support. 

The team has run sensory and exercise sessions for 18 months using equipment they have acquired over the years, but saw an opportunity to expand and enhance the experience for the people who call Abbeymoor home. These sessions are so important and have benefited people with physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and stroke recovery needs. 

The new equipment will help the team create more engaging, relaxing and meaningful experiences tailored to individual needs. It includes: 

• Sensory lighting and projector equipment. 

• Music systems. 

• Sensory resources and puzzles. 

• Adaptive exercise equipment. 

Following their first sensory session with the new equipment, Emma said: “We had the best morning at our sensory session with all our lovely new items. The wonderful people we support were relaxed throughout. I would say this has been one of the best sessions we have had.” 

Louise Lawson, Registered Manager, added: “A huge thank you to all involved! These funds are going to make a fantastic impact to our sessions!” 

A cracking Christmas meal at Sheehan Court 

People supported at Sheehan Court have been selected to attend a special three-course Christmas meal, giving all 16 residents the chance to celebrate together and enjoy a memorable festive experience. 

Some residents do not have family to spend Christmas with. The wish will bring everyone together for good food, friendship and festive fun. 

Julie-Anne Dunn, Team Leader, nominated the service. She said: “It will make a real difference to every single one of the people we support at Sheehan Court. To have a three-course Christmas meal all together will be truly lovely for them all. A lot of them have had a hard year, so it will be nice to see them together enjoying good food and making memories at the best time of year. 

“I would like to say thank you to Lifeways 30 Wishes for making this possible for all 16 of them. They really are a great bunch of people who all share a love of Christmas!” 

The people supported at Sheehan Court said: “Thank you 30 Wishes for making Christmas 2026 the best! We can’t wait to get dressed up and go out for a slap-up meal with everyone. It will be so much fun and we’re excited.” 

A revamped activity space 

The people we support at our Red Lion mental health service are celebrating after they were granted a wish to revamp their activity area with new seating, tables, board games and activities. 

Speaking about the wish, Jarod, one of the people we support said: "It's a much more welcoming space to socialise, and sit and chat with staff"  

Leah Hadcraft, Service Manager, added: "Thank you so much for supporting us with this. Jarod is right, the space is more welcoming and enjoyable for both staff and the people we support, and the new games will be a good bonding activity too." 

Anyone for a game of pool  

Abbeymoor is also celebrating a second successful wish: a new pool table for its communal area. It will give the people we support more opportunities to socialise, have fun and enjoy a shared activity. 

Lifeways Chief Financial Officer Kieron Steele submitted the wish to help strengthen friendships across the service. The table will provide a recreational space where people can build confidence, develop skills and create lasting memories. 

On hearing that the wish had been granted, Kieron said: “Absolutely fantastic! I’ll bring my cue on my next visit.” 

Louise Lawson, Registered Manager, said she was incredibly proud that the wish had been granted. She added: “The people we support have regularly expressed how much they would love a pool table, and being able to make that wish a reality is truly rewarding. 

“The table will provide enjoyment, encourage social interaction and create lasting memories, while supporting an active and vibrant home environment. We are all looking forward to that first game!”