Our latest 30 Wishes winners

A chill-out spa day, garden summer house and short break away have been granted as the next batch of wishes in Lifeways’ 30 Wishes campaign for 2026.  

The initiative, which launched as part of the organisation’s 30th anniversary celebrations in 2025, is continuing this year and has already helped many of the people it supports achieve long-held dreams, or a nice little treat that they would struggle to achieve without financial support.    

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

A relaxing spa day 

Service Manager Rochelle Scott nominated a person she supports, Melanie for a relaxing spa day, including a meal, which was granted to support her on a deeply personal journey. 

After leaving a controlling relationship, she is experiencing many life “firsts” and building her independence step by step. With limited opportunities in the past to enjoy simple pleasures or focus on herself, this wish is about more than just relaxation - it’s about restoring confidence and self-worth. 

Melanie shared her excitement, and said: “Thank you very much, I have never been to a spa before, I will enjoy it.” 

Rochelle described the moment she received the news as incredibly moving: “Knowing her history made me quite emotional of how grateful she is, and how much she appreciates everything we do to support her to live an independent life and to enjoy the little things in life she has never been able to.” 

A garden oasis 

Christine and her fellow residents at Sheehan Court will soon benefit from a new summer house, transforming their shared garden into a year-round sanctuary. Team Leader Julieanne Dunn nominated Christine, who finds peace and comfort in being outdoors, to enhance both her own wellbeing and the wider community’s shared space. 

The addition of a summer house will allow residents to enjoy the garden in all seasons, supporting mental wellbeing and creating a welcoming place to relax, reflect, and connect. Financial and practical barriers had previously made this out of reach, but through the 30 Wishes campaign, this vision will now become a reality. 

Christine said: “I love the garden so much, it is my happy space where I can think and write. It will be nice to improve the garden so I can spend more time out there. Thank you to Lifeways - it means a lot to me.” 

Julieanne also celebrated, and said: “I am so pleased that Christine and Sheehan Court have won as this will be fantastic for everyone here. It is a great opportunity for everyone to be a part of something and create a space we can all use together as a community.  

“Thank you to Lifeways for believing in our mission to thrive, it means a great deal to all the people who live at Sheehan and the team who support them. It is the little things in life that are the biggest gifts.” 

A much-deserved break away 

Shannon’s wish for a short, quiet break away recognises the remarkable progress she has made in rebuilding her life. After overcoming a challenging time, Shannon is now sober and reconnecting with her daughter - an achievement that reflects immense strength and determination. 

Having never experienced a holiday before, this break will provide her with a rare opportunity to rest, recharge, and reflect on how far she has come. Financial barriers and safeguarding considerations would have made this difficult to achieve independently, but the 30 Wishes initiative has made it possible. 

Shannon was nominated by Church View Service Manager Rochelle Scott. Rochelle said: “Shannon deserves something nice to look forward to, as I know the hard time she has been through and how hard she has worked to overcome these struggles.  She deserves to be happy and deserves to be spoilt. “ 

Shannon also shared her joy, saying she feels “really good and happy” and is excited for what lies ahead.