Our latest batch of 30 Wishes have been granted

A communal hut for socialising, a colourful garden and a group day trip have been granted as the next batch of wishes in Lifeways’ 30 Wishes campaign for 2026.    

The initiative, which launched as part of our 30th anniversary celebrations in 2025, is continuing this year and has already helped many of the people we support achieve long-held dreams, or a nice little treat that they would struggle to achieve without financial support. This is where Lifeways steps in, to spread a little bit of sunshine in people's lives and make their wishes happen.    

Read on to find out more about the three nominations that were selected. 

A communal shed for Fountain Court residents 

Charlotte Lees, Team Leader at Fountain Court, a supported living service nominated residents to receive a communal shed with plants, games, and space for activities. 

Currently at the service there is no shared communal space for the people we support to gather, and Charlotte knew it would make a huge difference to the residents. 

Upon receiving the news that her wish had been granted, Charlotte said: "This is amazing news! A huge thank you from everybody at Fountain Court - we're all very excited and grateful, and can’t wait for the hut to be completed.” 

A colourful garden for Pamela 

Pamela, a person we support at a supported living service in Sunderland, was nominated by Support Worker Jamie Flanders to receive a colourful garden with flowers, planters, and vegetable patch. 

Jamie said that Pamela loves gardening and wants to grow her own vegetables, adding: "I am overjoyed that my nomination for Pamela was chosen so she can start her own vegetable patch in her beloved garden that she shares with two other ladies.  

"I'm looking forward to supporting Pamela in this adventure of brightening her garden up." 

Pamela is also over the moon to have been nominated, and said: "I am very excited that I can start and make our garden a lovely place. I love looking into the garden and sitting outside when the weather is nice. It will be nice to have some colourful flowers, and this will also help the wildlife. 

"I am also happy I can grow my own vegetables, as there is nothing nicer than home grown veg. Me and my friends are really looking forward to making the garden our happy place. Thank you so much Lifeways for making this come true." 

A group day trip for members of the Midlands Our Voice Meeting 

Bonnetta Baldwin, Service Manager, nominated the Midlands Our Voice Group to receive a day out as thanks for their hard work, and to promote friendship, inclusion and independence. 

Our Voice is a network of people with lived experience who meet to feedback on the support they receive, what works and what needs improvement, these groups are held across the UK and are crucial to ensuring we listen to the people we support and act on their feedback to ensure they receive person centred support and achieve their desired goals and outcomes.  

The group provides a platform for the people we support to have their voices heard and actively contribute to decisions that affect their lives. Over the past four years, Bonnetta says the group has grown significantly, with friendships forming and flourishing.  

As part of their work the group has established a successful pen pal scheme, and also plan activities and celebrate cultural events, special occasions, and awareness days throughout the year. 

Speaking about her nomination, Bonnetta said: "The dedication of the people who attend the Our Voice Group is truly inspiring. Attendance is consistently high, and the members have made a real difference through their participation.  

"I wanted to give something back to the group to recognise their commitment, enthusiasm, and the positive impact they have made. I thought it would be wonderful to provide them with an opportunity to enjoy a special day out together. 

"At our July meeting, I was delighted to announce that we had won. The people we support were thrilled and excited by the news. Following a group discussion, everyone agreed that we would hire a minibus and travel to Blackpool in September to enjoy a day together and see the famous Illuminations."