What is the ‘Days Out Passbook?’
At Jessie May, we know that providing care goes far beyond medical needs. The heart of what we do is supporting the whole family – not just through specialist nursing care, but also by creating opportunities to enjoy special moments together. That’s why we’re so proud to introduce our new Days Out Passbook scheme, launched in May 2025.
Created with love by our Team Around the Family (TAF), this special passbook offers Jessie May families free access to a variety of local attractions and experiences throughout the year – perfect for fun, relaxation, and quality time together. With easy booking, extra tickets for loved ones, and support with transport if needed, we’ve taken care of the details so the families we support can focus on making memories.
Why we launched the Passbook…
In 2024, our family events, like the Noah’s Ark Fun Day and Ocean Adventure at the CBeebies Prom, proved to be incredibly valuable. Families told us just how much it meant to have affordable, inclusive experiences that the whole family could enjoy.
However, not every family can attend large, scheduled events. That’s where the Days Out Passbook comes in: a flexible, year-round offer of accessible attractions that families can enjoy on their own terms.
Family engagement can happen in many different ways. While Jessie May events are important, we also know that some of the most special moments can come from a quiet day at the museum, a walk through nature, or simply spending time together as a family.
What’s in the Passbook?
So far, the passbook includes five fantastic attractions – with more in the pipeline! Each venue has generously offered either free or reduced-cost access through community or charity memberships. Participating attractions so far include:
We the Curious – A hands-on science centre in Bristol (free access via community membership)
Bristol Zoo Project – A wild day out under the Access to Nature scheme
Slimbridge Wetland Centre – Explore nature and wildlife with space for the whole family
Steam Museum, Swindon – A journey through railway history made accessible and affordable
Bowood House & Gardens – Adventure playgrounds, gardens, and a perfect day trip for the family
Since the soft launch in late May, 60 families have already signed up – and the majority of bookings are already in place for summer visits before September!
This shows us that the need, and the enthusiasm, is real. Many of the families we support face barriers to enjoying days out, whether it’s financial pressure, accessibility concerns, or the unpredictability of caring for a child with complex needs.
One parent told us:
“This opportunity really eases the financial pressure on the family. It’s these small things that make a big difference. When a child is first diagnosed, you lose more than you often realise.”
Another said:
“Having the Days Out Passbook has given us the chance to try new places and make special memories with our child while he’s stable. Days out can be tricky sometimes, but having lots of opportunities like this means we can enjoy real quality time together as a family.”
This initiative isn’t just about ticking off attractions – it’s about creating meaningful moments. For children and siblings, it’s a chance to play, explore, and laugh together. For parents and carers, it offers a welcome break from the everyday pressures, helping to ease carer fatigue and give everyone a fresh perspective.
It also offers a unique opportunity for us to support families in a flexible and personalised way, extending our care beyond the home and out into the world.
To the venues already partnering with us – thank you. To the families making memories through this scheme – we’re so glad you are. And to everyone who supports Jessie May: this is the kind of joy your generosity makes possible.
Want to know more or get involved as a venue or supporter? Contact alice.maillardet@jessiemay.org.uk
