THE DIFFERENCE WE MADE IN 2018 The Family Holiday Association is the leading national charity dedicated to providing breaks and days out for children and their families coping with some of the toughest challenges life can bring.

3,820 Families received a short break or day out 97% of families created happy % memories 6,181 8,612 39 We worked of families had Adults Children with referrers in a break together 93% of all local for the first time authority areas across the UK

I couldn’t believe that some people are so kind to fund holidays and I will be grateful for the rest of my life that I had the opportunity to show my kids that there is life outside of our town. What families tell us

For families who don’t get the chance for a break or day out the difference can be Before the break I had been through transformational. Families told us that they a really difficult period when my son was experienced the following outcomes after not in my care. I do not know how to say their break or day out (either on their own how much it meant - I felt more confident or as part of a group trip). - proud of managing to go away on my own with my son. I am now able to visit family on the train which I couldn’t do before. Outcomes Family who had a short break in Skegness

90% 91% We were able to spend time together Get on better Could cope as a family. We went walking up Arthur’s as a family better Seat and we are going to try to continue to go out at the weekends together. The best moment was going to zoo. Thank you so much, I can’t thank you enough it made all the difference % % being able to get away and spend time 95 90 together. Spend more Reduced stress time together and worries Family who had a day out to Edinburgh

The family never spent quality time out % % of their flat before the break as they were 97 91 so ‘bogged down’ with all the pressure More fun and More optimistic create happy about the future of everything but just sitting outside in memories the sun with a picnic and walking to the beach has made them realise that even a walk to the park at home helps them feel better and they have since been getting out more, especially mum, who never 97% 87% really went out before she now goes out Children More more and on her own, which she never have new confidence did before. experiences Referrer of a family who had a short break in Hastings Fatima and Grace’s story

I experienced serious domestic assault 7 years ago by my partner which left me with life changing injuries. I almost died. The traumatic experience deeply affected me and my daughter. My partner was imprisoned for the assault and I was anxious about his release. I felt alone with no support.

When I was told by my referrer that I was getting a holiday it was amazing: like you are getting away from your problems. I felt joy. I’d never been on a holiday before. It was something positive to look forward to. My daughter was excited and told everyone at school. We slowly prepared for the holiday getting clothes packed. I took a trillion hats!

The holiday and the caravan site was in the middle of a great location where everything was a short walking distance. We went to the three entertainment shows with dancing. On the second and third day of the holiday I saw a transformation in my daughter. She got back that ‘twinkle in her eye’. I realised at that moment that my daughter was severely depressed. On the third day I felt my anxiety calm down. I remember sitting by the beach and hearing the seagulls, feeling the cold breeze hitting my forehead and hearing the waves. I was absorbing everything. When we returned home, people commented on our glowing skin even though we went on a short break in March. I am not sure if that was because of the weather or the good feeling we had from going on holiday. I’d never been on a holiday before. It was I felt an immediate positive something positive to look forward to. My impact when I returned home. % 39 daughter was excited and told everyone at It was amazing having a few of children who days off and escaping from went to the beach school. We slowly prepared for the holiday stress and having memories did so for the getting clothes packed. I took a trillion hats!. to look back on. My daughter first time went on and on about the holiday showing everyone her pictures. It felt like a reward, like I deserved it. I am so grateful.

The day out made such a difference as we cannot afford this type of thing. My partner sadly lost an elder child just before the York trip. We managed to have a fabulous time and it helped ease the sadness, at least for one day. This day out meant the world to us all. Family who received a day out to York using the York Pass The families we help

We help families facing some of the toughest challenges life can bring. All are living on a low income and haven’t been able to take a break for years. ISSUES AFFECTING FAMILIES 56% Mental health issues 36% Domestic violence 27% Physical health issues 23% Disability 19% Young carers 14% Bereavement

All families are referred by someone supporting them In 2018 we received applications from referrers in 93% in a professional role like a teacher, social worker or of local authority areas across the UK. health visitor. This means we help families who could benefit most and ensures they have support to help Almost 3,000 referrers registered on our new online them plan for their break or day out. platform where they could see what we have on offer, make applications and provide feedback on the difference the break or day out made.

WHO REFERS TO US:

Other type of professional – 11%

Women’s refuges – 2% Housing associations – 3% Social workers – 37%

NHS – 9%

Other charities – 9%

School/education – 11% Family support charities – 17%

If you support families and would like more information on how to apply then please visit our website www.FamilyHolidayAssociation.org.uk Anna and Billy’s story

I’ve had a really tough time for the last few years and have been getting fantastic support from the Glasgow City Mission. They have helped me with everything like finding a nursery for my boy. We have never been on holiday together before.

The best part of my city break to Edinburgh was the way that I was treated by the Apex staff. They were outstanding and treated me like royalty, I felt like I blended in with other guests. My wee boy has behaviour problems but the staff were really patient even giving him little toy ducks to play with and I’ll never forget their kindness and understanding.

When we arrived at the hotel we just threw ourselves on the bed as we were so happy and pleased by how big it was as we had been sleeping on a pull down couch at home. I know it may sound silly but it was nice to even be able to have a bath.

The visit to Edinburgh Castle was magical and fascinating. I would not have thought to do the touristy thing before going on this break. My son really enjoyed going to Edinburgh castle but I think most of all he enjoyed just spending time with me - although we are always together it was different to be in such a lovely place together away from my usual environment which is pretty stressful. It brought us closer.

It made me realise that there is a bigger world out there and I don’t have to be stuck at home. I left It made me realise that there is a bigger knowing who I was and what I am capable off. It has given me more confidence to travel. The break made world out there and I don’t have to be stuck at me feel more human and important. I found it quite home. I left knowing who I was and what I am emotional because we have never been tourists before. capable off. It has given me more confidence Margaret at Glasgow City Mission who referred the to travel. The break made me feel more human family said “This family really appreciated the break as and important. I found it quite emotional it was such a contrast to how they usually live and they because we have never been tourists before. had never been tourists before. Although Anna has a long way to go this break has opened her eyes to how other people live and shown her another world and I believe one day she will breakthrough all of her problems as she now has a real desire to change her life.”

My wife suffers from anxiety and depression, and she and our 2 young kids have not been on holiday for many years. It was a fabulous getaway. We hope that we can use the family time away for more experiences like this in future. Family who had a short break in York Quotes from families and referrers

My daughter is a young carer at home ‘The break allowed the family to have for me and also her 2 older siblings and some wonderful family time together and giving her the chance to chill out and to forget about all the difficulties they are not have to worry about anything was facing. This was the first opportunity they very special. It was so lovely to watch her have had for a holiday together in many enjoying the things she often misses out years. They enjoyed having so much space on at home. because they live in a small overcrowded Family who had a short break in Filey flat in a housing estate so the beach felt very big and spacious. The children had never had a holiday before and their son had never been to the beach. She loved Dynamic Earth and feeding the ducks. The best bit for me was Referrer of a family who had a break in Cornwall seeing her so happy. She has had a lot of problems and to see her relax and be a child instead of on edge was wonderful, we We would like to say thank you so much can’t thank you enough. for creating a space for us and our children Family who had a day out to Edinburgh where we can be happy and ourselves. It makes the challenges so much easier to overcome. Grandma had never taken her grandson Family who had a short break in swimming before but they go regularly since they have come back from the holiday. The Grandma did water slides for I really enjoyed long walks along the sea the first time. Her grandson encouraged front. The caravan felt like a home away her and held her hand going down! He just from home. did not want to come home. Family who had a short break in Minehead Referrer of a family who had a short break in Filey

It meant we could all go out together It was great to get out with the three to somewhere different and experience children together as that doesn’t happen something different, my daughter loved much. The girls loved the illusion the best being up close to the animals she was but my wee boy loved the interactive excited all day. experiments. Family who had a day out to Family who had a day out to Glasgow Science Centre Blair Drummond Safari Park Thank you

Thanks to all of our partners in the travel and industry who donated tickets, accommodation or transport in 2018 to help create memories that will last a lifetime.

To find out how you can get involved please contact Alex Bunney our Partnership Development Manager on [email protected] or 020 3117 0651

Accommodation Attractions Accor , , Auchrannie Leisure, Aberdeen Science Centre, Aldenham Country Park, Berehayes Holiday Cottages, Bourne Leisure, Chester Battle of Britain Memorial, Blair Castle & Gardens, Hotel and Apartments, Crerar Hotels, , Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park, Bredgar & Forest Holidays, Hallmark Hotels, HF Holidays, Hilton Wormshill Light Railway, Can You Escape Ltd, Canoe Hotels, Hotels, , Homelands Trust, Wild, Canterbury Cathedral, Dolphin Spirit, Dundee Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, Hotels, Mother Museum of Transport, Dynamic Earth, Falkirk Wheel Ivey’s Bay, National Caravan Club Benevolent Fund, (Scottish Canals), Glasgow European Games, Glasgow Parkdean Resorts, Hostelling , The Edinburgh Life, Glasgow Science Centre, Go Ape, Herne Bay Mini Collection, Tingdene, Towan Valley, West Leisure Golf, Historic Environment Scotland, Inveraray Jail, Holidays, YHA John Lawson’s Circus, Kelpies (The Helix – Falkirk Community Trust), Kent Life, Landmark Forest Transport Adventure Park, Leeds Castle, Loch Lomond Bird of Abellio ScotRail, CalMac Ferries Ltd, GWR, Northern Prey Centre, Loch Morlich Watersports, Loch Ness By Railway, Rabbies, Radical Travel, Scottish Citylink, Jacobite, Mercat Tours, Monkey World, Museum of Timberbush Tours, West Coast Motors (City the Order of St John, National Museums of Scotland, Sightseeing) , National Trust for Scotland, National Wallace Monument, New Lanark Visitor Attraction, Umbrella bodies Paddle Steamer Waverley, Palace of Holyrood House – Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA), Royal Collection Trust, Paradise Wildlife Park, Penshurst British Holiday & Home Parks Association Ltd, Kids Place & Gardens, PGL, Pitlochry Dam and Visitor Centre, in Museums, Make It York, Visit Herts, Visit Kent, Rare Breeds Centre, RockUp UK, Romney Hythe and VisitScotland Dymchurch Railway, RHS Garden Rosemoor, Ryze, Scottish Seabird Centre, Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary (Merlin Entertainments), Sea Life Loch Lomond (Merlin Entertainments), St Andrew’s Links Golf, Swanage Railway, The Canterbury Tales, The Postal Museum, The Royal Yacht Britannia, The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, The Steamship Sir Walter Scott, Tower Bridge, Ventura Wildlife Park, Wilderness Scotland, Willows Activity Farm, ZSL London Zoo

Statistics collated from applications and feedback from families and their referrers.

The Family Holiday Association is a registered charity in England and (800262) and Scotland (SC048203). Registered Company Number 02301337.

The photos in this report are from families we’ve helped but don’t correspond to the quotes or stories provided.