FAQ

When you arrive on the Monday, you will be shown your room. You will then have the opportunity to meet the rest of the group and the staff. As a group you can then decide what activities you would like to go on during your holiday. There is no pressure and if you feel unsure about any of the activities you can always talk to us. We are on hand to talk about any of your concerns and want you to have a really excellent holiday!

Once your holiday is booked we will contact you to discuss travel arrangements. We are able to help with the cost of trains, planes and petrol. Please talk to Peter about this as he can organise and book the tickets for you – email Peter.

We are a charitable organisation, so we would very much appreciate if you are able to afford your own transport costs. Those of 18 and over usually make their own way and some of you may have cars. There is parking in Studland Road in front of the house.

Youth Cancer Trust’s Tracy Ann House is open all year round and takes groups of 8 each week. Groups arrive on a Monday and leave on a Friday.

The school holidays get quickly booked up so it would be helpful if you are able to come out of season. This allows those who are in full time education the opportunity for a holiday.

The Youth Cancer Trust holidays take place at Tracy Ann House in Bournemouth. It is a small converted hotel situated a few minutes walk from blue flag beach Alum Chine.

For a full description and photos of Tracy Ann House please view the page Where Will I Be Staying?

Tracy Ann House is a relaxed, warm and friendly house; however there are a few house rules to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone. These will be discussed on the evening of your arrival.

Guests are expected to treat Tracy Ann House as they would their own home and to treat all the other guests and the staff with respect and consideration.

On the first evening, John and Brenda will run through the various activities on offer so a decision can be made as a group. Certain activities will have to done on certain days as they need to be booked ahead of time. You can always add a note on your application form if there is an activity you would like to do or would rather not do.

There is 24 hour medical support from the Westbourne Medical Centre, 5 mins from the house, where appointments can be made as and when needed. All employed staff are fully trained in emergency first aid.

If you feel very ill and want to go home we will speak to your parents and arrange for this to happen.

You do not have to take part in anything you don’t want to – it is up to you. If you do not want to take part – you can either go along to the activity and watch the others or stay at Tracy Ann House. There is never any pressure to do something if you don’t feel up to it.

Depending on the activity planned, you can get up when you like. However John cooks breakfast for everyone from 8 so if you want scrambled egg you will have to rise early. Typically, the earliest you will have to leave for an activity, is 10am – so there is still plenty of time to relax before you leave.

All meals and refreshments are provided free of charge.

A cooked breakfast is available at 8am or there is cereal and toast.

During the summer a BBQ is usually held on a Thursday evening.

Guests can help themselves to drinks and snacks from the kitchen at anytime during the day or night. Packed lunches are provided to take out with you on the activities consisting of sandwiches, crisps, chocolate biscuits and fruit.

If you have special dietary requirements, you can let us know on the application form or by contacting us beforehand. If you need something very special, you can always arrange to bring it with you. By all means give us a call on 01202 763591 if you have any questions.

Clothing – it is advisable to bring a range of clothing and footwear in case of changes in the weather.
Trainers or shoes are required for go-karting.
Swimwear is needed for watersports and swimming, more than one pair is useful if swimming everyday.
Gloves and thick socks are helpful for dry slope skiing.
Towels are provided but guests may like to bring their own beach towel.
Wash bag – Guests need to bring own wash bag – e.g. shower gel/shampoo/soap.
Devices – You are welcome to bring your own iPad, smart phone or laptop – we have IPod music docks in each room, a TV and CD players. We also have Wifi throughout the house.
Meds – Any medication you require. There are lockers and a fridge provided in each room to keep your medication safe.
Diet – Any special food/drink if you have a specific dietary requirement.

There are two twin rooms and four single rooms for you to choose from. You can share your room with your friend or sibling. Each room has their own toilet and basin or en-suite bathroom.

Some activities are arranged for the evening for the group e.g. karaoke, cinema evenings or friendly group meals out at a local restaurant. Under 18’s will be accompanied by John or Brenda. Over 18’s may go out in the evening unaccompanied with permission.

There will free time available for groups to visit Bournemouth and/or the beach for shopping or sight-seeing. Under 18’s will be accompanied by an adult.

If it rains there are still lots of activities you can do! Most of the outside activities such as horse riding and go-karting can take place in the indoor arenas.
We also have lots of indoor activities and entertainment e.g. XBox 360, Nintendo Wii, pool table, fuss-ball table, Sky TV, DVDs/Videos, karaoke, art shed, therapy room.
There are also lots of activities in Bournemouth e.g. bowling, cinema, splashdown or next door, the Rivera Hotel has an indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna, which is free to use by all our guests.

We try to do as much as possible as a group but small groups may be allowed to choose different activities depending on their age and if time allows.