Why
We did this to live independently and to do tasks that you would do when you live independently.
I(Abbie) did it to see if I was ready to live independently and if not, what could be improved.
I (Emma) was trying to prove to my parents that I could live independently.
 
 
Best Bit
I (Emma) enjoyed spending time with Karl and going down to the beach. I also enjoyed having my own space and freedom.
I(Abbie) enjoyed being able to cook my own meals of what I want without my siblings disagreeing. I also liked being able to watch tv and have snacks without the rules that I have at home with my parents.
 
Most Surprised
I(Emma) was surprised of how good a cleaner I was.
I (Abbie) was most surprised by sleeping by myself even when there were scary sounds.
 
What I learned about myself
I(Emma) learnt that I can cope with things if I must. It was hard to find things to do because everything was closed.
I(Abbie) learnt that I have little to no motivation to do anything. I do not have any structure to my days so I would like to learn how to structure my days.
 
 
Challenges Abbie faced
I found it hard to budget my money as I don’t buy my own food normally, so I immediately went to buy things that I wanted not what I needed.
Another problem I faced was little to no connection for calls or WIFI so I could not talk to my family the only way I was able to do it was use Abi’s phone.
I set the smoke alarm off on the first meal made.
I found it hard to find motivation to get out and do things.
 
Challenges Emma faced
On the last night when we had went to go get our pizza I had to run back and get my card because they wouldn’t except cash which was a pain but I did it anyway but I hate it when I have to go out then go back in and there was a body guard and I found them scary and they laughed at me when I forgot my bag.
On the stay there was bad internet, but it was nice to not have the phone because me and Karl were able to spend time together.
 
What has changed
Our view of budgeting has changed. We are both more careful of our money. We got better at looking after ourselves.
 
What to do next
Do it again with pets (Emma)
Be more organized and go out more (Abbie)
Stop body shaming myself (Emma)

Written by Abbie and Emma, Published by Dom Palfreman

On the first night I invited Sam and Bex for dinner in my caravan. We made them a particularly good curry for dinner - it was the first time I have ever made dinner.
 
On the second day, we went paddle-boarding and kayaking - trying to stand up on the paddle board from kneeling was really hard, it was a real challenge, but trying to get the wetsuit off was harder and sand got everywhere!
 
It makes me feel good to try new things; it is important to try new things.
It is nice to have some independence away from home.
Shame it was no longer as I had fun on the beach making sandcastles, and made quite a few in fact.
It was so much fun playing in the sand, it was lovely sand, it was way cool.
 
From outside of the caravan we had an amazing view and a beautiful sunset - why would anybody want to go on a holiday abroad when we have these views!
 
The caravan had a lovely hot shower. I got lost in a double bed and had no idea where I was.
Then I remembered where I was, and I felt much more relaxed.
 
We went to the swimming pool and had a crazy time getting very wet. We went on the powerful water-slides that splashed us a lot. And I got very wet as in soaked.
 
I will never forget the holiday as it was such a lovely experience and would love to go back again.

Written by Andrew, Published by Dom Palfreman