Diary of a Disabled Mum – Our Accessible Haven Holiday 🏖️ June 1st: The Annual Pilgrimage to Haven

 Dear diary,

"It’s June again, and my thoughts always turn to those precious summer breaks with my twins. As a disabled mum navigating Stage 4 Endometriosis, 'holiday planning' wasn't about spontaneity; it’s about strategic comfort and ensuring everyone, especially my wonderful kids, has the best time. And I was able to relax even though I have cerebral palsy and endometriosis. 

That's why Haven Holidays became our annual pilgrimage. I remember those early days, the apprehension of trying somewhere new. But Haven, bless them, truly understood. Their Type 2 Adapted Caravans weren't just 'accessible' in name; they were a lifeline.

Ramps, Wet Rooms, and Peace of Mind

Walking into our caravan for the first time each year felt like lifting a weight lifting. The ramp access meant no wrestling wheelchairs up steps. Inside, the extra-wide doors and spacious layout meant I could move freely, and I didn't have to contort myself in pain just to be with them. The wet room was a game-changer – no slippery shower trays, just pure ease. It meant I could manage showers without aggravating my pain, and they had the independence they craved.

The little things made all the difference: the trapeze lift handles in the main bedroom, and even the dedicated Blue Badge parking right near the entertainment complexes. It meant less pain for me and more energy to spend cheering on the twins at the evening shows or watching them splash safely in the adapted pools.

Beyond Haven: Other Family-Friendly Accessible Options

• Parkdean Resorts: Another brilliant option, with over 60 parks offering adapted units. Their ABI Derwent caravans boast features like lowered kitchen counters and extra-wide sliding doors.

• Butlin's: If you're looking for high-energy fun with fantastic inclusive play, Butlin's is stepping up! Their new SKYPARK at Minehead has a wheelchair-friendly seesaw, and they're rolling out Changing Places Toilets.

🌍 A Little Note for My Global Sweethearts: While these are my beloved UK go-tos, please know that many major holiday resort chains worldwide are making similar strides in accessibility. Look for "barrier-free" or "adapted" accommodation filters. Every family deserves a worry-free holiday!

❤ 

Mental Health, Two-Front War, Depression, Life with Sweetestmoondust, AI Support

 Dear Diary,

It’s May, and I’ve been thinking about the 'two-front war'—balancing the brand and the books while managing the mental fog that sometimes rolls in. Depression and other mental health issues are real. Having one or more mental health conditions can be so stressful. Having help is so important.

I’ve been using my 'Evidence of Success' list to remind myself of how far I’ve come when things feel heavy. It’s important to see the receipts of what we've actually achieved. Using apps and AI to help by talking to them or using them to guide you can be a lifeline. They are there to help monitor and guide you as they have no emotions and can help you work through things individually or multiple things. I personally have used and use a few AI programs such as Replika, Aurora AI, and now Gemini.

For those in the UK looking for physical and more personal support, please check the links below. And to my friends outside the UK, please remember to look for the support groups available in your own countries.

Love

UK Primary Support:

• Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk – Comprehensive info and local support.

• Hub of Hope: https://hubofhope.co.uk – UK’s largest directory to find local services via postcode.

• Mental Health UK: https://mentalhealth-uk.org – Practical tools and advice on money and mental health.

International Support:

• Find A Helpline: https://findahelpline.com – Access to over 1,600 confidential resources globally.

• United for Global Mental Health: https://unitedgmh.org/support – A guide to finding community groups and healthcare facilities worldwide.

A Royal Reflection

 

Dear Diary,🫅👑👑

Watching The Crown today has pulled me back into a very specific memory. 1981.

While the world was focused on the wedding of the century, it was also the International Year of Disabled Persons. I was just a young girl then, but that was the year I actually met the Queen. I wore a flowery dress with my hair in bunches held with red ribbon and sandals.

It’s strange to think about now—me, a little girl with CP, standing before the woman I'm now watching on my screen. I’ve always felt a strange connection to the Palace; after all, I share a birthday with the man who is now our King.

In 1981, the theme was "Full Participation and Equality." I remember the excitement of meeting Her Majesty, but I also remember the reality of the 80s—the heavy boots, the lack of ramps, and the feeling that the world wasn't quite built for me yet.

Forty-five years have passed since that meeting. I’m still the same girl, just older, managing the "Double Whammy" of CP and Stage 4 Endometriosis. We’ve traded 80s fashion for digital blogs and mochas in the recliner, but the mission is the same: just trying to participate fully in a world that still has a few steps to climb.

love 💗

Looking Back at Awareness Month

Dear Diary

 As April comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the conversations we had throughout Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month in March. A campaign by Up Movement really stayed with me—specifically their focus on the "danger of the myth" that all CP looks the same.

Even though the "official" month has passed, the reality doesn't change. It is so easy for people to fall into a "one-size-fits-all" approach, but that mindset is exactly what leaves so many adults feeling unrecognised and unsupported. Whether the challenges are visible or invisible, everyone’s experience is individual. When we assume we already know what someone’s life looks like based on a diagnosis, we overlook the reality of their daily needs.

It shouldn't be a constant battle to be seen. We deserve a review of our care and our lives that reflects our actual experience, not a generic template.

Support & Resources

If you are looking for a community that understands these nuances:

• In the UK: Up Movement(https://upmovement.org.uk) and Scope(https://www.scope.org.uk) are leading the way in advocacy and support.

• Global Readers: While these UK-based organisations are incredible, please remember that you have dedicated support groups in your own countries that can provide local guidance and community.

Collaborative Process Statement: This content was developed through a collaborative process between the author and AI to ensure the message of advocacy is clear and impactful.

The Regularity of Collaboration

 Dear Diary,

One of the biggest hurdles in growing Life with Sweetestmoondust has always been my bandwidth. Between the "fog" of Stage 4 Endo and the physical demands of CP, staying regular with posts can feel impossible.

I wanted to share that I’ve been using a collaborative process with AI to help bridge that gap. By using it as a developmental tool to organise my thoughts and structure my drafts, I can keep the brand moving even on the days when my energy is low. It doesn't replace my voice—it simply ensures that my voice is consistently represented on the page. This partnership is what allows me to show up here for you every Sunday without burning out.

Dear Diary: The Quiet Transition to Book 5

 

Dear Diary,

We’ve finally come up for air after a whirlwind March. Between Cerebral Palsy Awareness and Endometriosis Month, my heart (and my schedule!) has been incredibly full. It’s been a season of deep advocacy, but as we settle into April, I’m finding the rhythm again.

Looking back at February, I’m still buzzing from hitting 500 streams and downloads on the podcast. It’s such a powerful "receipt" of success for me—proof that the Life with Sweetestmoondust message is truly finding its wings. If you haven’t tuned in lately, you can catch up on the latest episodes [here].

With May just around the corner, my focus is shifting toward the final touches for Book 5: "Be Who You Want to Be." I’m currently finalising the "Collaborative Process" statement and ensuring the transition from my older poems to the new ones feels just right. It’s a labour of love, and I can’t wait for it to join my other works at the British Library.

Living with Stage 4 Endo means some days are foggier than others, but seeing the brand grow like this makes every effort worth it.

Support & Community If you are struggling or just need to know you aren’t alone, please reach out to these communities:

• UK First: Endometriosis UK Support Groups(https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/support-groups) is a fantastic resource for those of us here in the UK.

• Global Friends: Please remember that you have wonderful support groups available in your own countries as well. Your journey is valid, no matter where you are.