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 % % We were able to spend time together 90 91 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 Edinburgh 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 % % really went out before she now goes out 97 87 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 Hotel 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.