THE DIFFERENCE WE MADE IN 2019 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.

4,821 % Families received a 34 % short break or day out had a break 98 together for the had fun and first time created happy memories

7,836 10,641 % Adults Children 45 of children who We helped went to the beach did so for the families in 88% first time of local authority areas across the UK What families tell us

As a result of our work this year families told us that the breaks made the following differences:

92% 90% 92% 86% were able to got on better had reduced had more cope better as a family stress and worries confidence

91% 94% 98% 97% were more spent more time had fun and of children optimistic about together as a created happy had new the future family memories experiences

It was fantastic, amazing, I never thought about cancer once. This was a final family holiday for us and it was wonderful, it has created lasting memories and photographs for us as a family and for my husband and my children when my time comes.

Seeing that I could cope with new The children enjoyed themselves so situations and have fun boosted my much, they loved the freedom of confidence. We had had a difficult year swimming and engaging in all the prior to the break and having this time activities. It warmed my heart to see how away together felt like the start of a new happy they were. We are all much closer chapter. Thank you ever so much. as a family.

This break meant the world to me and Staying at such a nice where the the children. They have had such a staff were so good to my boys was very traumatic short life filled with upheaval relaxing for us all. The transport museum and I have worked so hard over the past and having the bus ticket was brilliant as we year to provide a stable and loving home. could see the sights and do something the The children have learned to play so well boys have only ever seen from the pavement together without so much arguing. Thank in . Thank you for making this you from the bottom of my heart. possible we are really grateful. Family Story: A day trip to Edinburgh

As well as providing short breaks, we work with a range of partners to provide days out for families across the UK. Here is one family’s story of a day out through the ScotSpirit Breaks programme in partnership with VisitScotland.

Life was just about doing the usual, everyday things, like going across the road to the park, nothing exciting. I never took trips with my son, and we’d never been away together anywhere. Alexander loves buses, so sometimes we’d pack a lunch and take the number 8 bus and stay on for the whole route till we got back home.

When I found out about the trip to Edinburgh Castle I was a bit nervous but I wanted to do it for Alexander. His excitement about going away somewhere with his pals rubbed off on me, I felt excited for him.

There were a lot of tourists at the castle that day, and it was really windy. Alexander loved it, especially the 1 o’clock gun going off. I remember seeing his face as he listened to the different languages the people round about him were speaking – that was a totally new experience for him.

We were so tired at the end of the day, but it was a good tired, because you felt you’d done something with your Alexander told all his classmates about it, which was day, and enjoyed it – not the kind of tired where you’re quite something for him, as he’s normally so shy. It’s stressed out all the time. It was a brilliant day out for been good to sit and talk about it with him – he still him and me. remembers the trip, and asks me when we can go again. Knowing what’s out there has Knowing what’s out there, what Alex enjoys, it has changed our future - we’ve got changed the way we think about the future – we’ve got much bigger dreams than the park across the road! much bigger dreams than the park I’m definitely more likely to take my son on a break across the road! somewhere after going on the day trip to Edinburgh – I could maybe go and visit my sister in Dunfermline. I’d I did feel a bit more confident after the trip, just knowing tell other families thinking about a ScotSpirit Break to that I could do it, that I could jump on a train with just do it – it’s amazing what stuff like this can do for Alexander and go somewhere like that, it was satisfying your confidence. thinking that. I remember my sister phoned afterwards to hear about it, and I think she was expecting bad news, This case study is part of a series of family stories created so it was really good to be able to tell her it was all great as a legacy of the Year of Young People () – there was really nothing negative to tell her.

The children haven’t stopped talking about the memories we made and the adventures we went on during the holiday. Also the children are more aware of wildlife, their surroundings and the environment. The families we help

We help families on a low income who haven’t had a holiday for years. Many are struggling with some of the toughest challenges life can bring.

ISSUES AFFECTING WHERE THE FAMILIES FAMILIES WE HELP LIVE

We helped families in 88% of local authority areas (190 out of 217). Listed below are the areas where we helped most 59% families in 2019 and the number of families we helped. have mental health issues

42% Westminster - 114 are isolated Gateshead - 115

29% Cornwall - 115 have experienced domestic violence Hertfordshire - 123

25% Kent - 191 have physical health issues Edinburgh- 217 19% live in inadequate housing Barnsley - 226

Birmingham - 268 18% are young carers Sheffield - 340

14% Glasgow - 340 are coping with bereavement

I have seen When we arrived my children at the caravan and grow to be more saw how luxurious confident and it was we could they had a imagine ourselves brilliant time. there for a week and really get excited. Long term impact

The feedback we get from families when they have just returned from their break is overwhelmingly positive with 90%+ of families reporting that they get on better, spend more time together and have reduced stress and worries when they come home. This year, thanks to our new online platform, we were able to ask the longer term impact of a break for families who went away in 2018.

Mental Health 83% of families who experience mental health issues said that they still notice a positive difference up to a year later.

The break away from home seems to provide a break from the stresses of daily life and a new perspective on how to cope better once back home. Many reported that improved parental mental health impacted positively on their children, with parents being less anxious and stressed and able to do more as a family.

Spending time together as a family on the break helped strengthen families when they came back home. Some were more able to access support for their mental health issues with others better able to look to the future.

“After this break I am giving more time to my family and I have a better control (over) my anxiety and depression than before.”

“My daughter especially has had an improvement in her mental health.…and feels more optimistic about her future.”

“My children don’t witness me being upset so much. I had the chance to think about my behaviour too in the relationship with their dad.”

“I am no longer on medication – I have strategies I use to manage my emotions and worries.”

“Mum’s mental health has improved and this is without any input from mental health services. Mum seems more positive. When she feels low she asks for support and this hasn’t impacted upon her parenting.” (referrer)

How are things now compared to before the break? (n=87)

A lot better A bit better No different A bit worse Not sure

I have gained confidence and am now applying for jobs and considering applying to college. Isolation Around 60% of the families we help each year are isolated. After their break, 84% of families reported an improvement.

Many families saw significant change around how they engage with their communities and the outside world in general. The confidence boost that a break brings seems to be a real catalyst for change that leads to a range of improvements in different areas.

Families report getting out of the house more and being able to do more as a family, including travel. Some report being more able to make social connections and engaging better with schools. Others felt that they could access services that they didn’t feel able to before.

“I have joined a gym and went to a series of talks about domestic violence which I had always backed away from doing before as was worried about who would be there.”

“(It) made me have more confidence in myself, knowing I was able to travel and go out.”

“It has made a big difference to me getting out and about and feeling confident.”

“Being on holiday made me realise how I had been isolated and made me think about how I would change this when I got home. I have since been more involved in school.”

“It gave us confidence to do other things like attending a group each week and meeting new people.”

Did you notice any changes after the break (n=73) A lot better A bit better No different Not sure

I am not so anxious about every little thing and feel more confident to talk to people.….I have opened up a lot more to friends about how I feel.

Other reported long term benefits For families whose children had school attendance issues, over 80% said that attendance had improved thanks to their time together.

We also heard from our referrers, with 65% of professionals saying that the break had improved their relationship with the family.

63% of families report that they still do more together up to a year later as a result of their Family Holiday Association break. Family Story: A break in nature thanks to Forest Holidays

Alicia had a really tough start in life and her parents they often have to go to hospital at the drop of a hat. were not able to look after her so she went to live with This affects Alicia who worries about him all the time. her aunt Alison, and Alison’s partner Vincent. “We could forget about all that and switch off and have Vincent is experiencing health issues and is awaiting time together as a proper family. Just spending time an organ transplant and he and Alison have had to give together was great, we could relax if we wanted to and up work which has put tremendous strain on the family had time away of the madness from normal life.” financially. They haven’t had a holiday for over five years. Alicia had never had a holiday before she went to live The break, donated by Forest Holidays, at the Forest with Alison, “She was so excited before the break and of Dean was a chance for them to get out of the town looking forward to it so much. She thought it was great where they live and experience the countryside. and she didn’t want to come home. It was a different experience for her, she loved having her own cabin and Alison said, “We did a lot more in nature than we do the hot tub!” normally. They had a nature trail where you had to guess the clues that Alicia loved. It was educational Since the break, there are still good days and bad days and she still talks about it. She took lots of photos so but Alison noticed a difference after they came home. that she could share her experience with friends when “The break really helped. It gave me time to take stock she got back home.” of the situation, take time, reflect and prioritise things rather than let them get on top of me. I’d love it to be a It was a welcome break from the stresses and strains of bit longer next time because it went so quick, but it’s a everyday life for all the family. Due to Vincent’s illness very good idea to switch off and get away.”

We walked to the shore line when the sea Thank you for giving my family this was out, it took 40 minutes but the kids life-changing experience. I wouldn’t have loved it, seeing them laughing and happy was thought a weekend away would have made our best memory. We spent precious time things change so much for my family. together, making memories as a family. Thank you

Thanks to everyone who ran marathons, baked cakes, sponsored a caravan and donated money to help families get a much needed break or day out this year.

Thanks also to all of our partners in the travel and tourism industry who donated tickets, accommodation or transport in 2019 to help create memories that will last a lifetime. Accommodation Attractions Active Outdoor Pursuits, Apex , Auchrannie Aberdeen Science Centre, Aldenham Country Park, Leisure, Berehayes Holiday Cottages, Blair Castle Alpine Travel, Battle of Britain Memorial, Big Bus Caravan Park, Bourne Leisure, Brighton Marina House Tours (London), Blackpool Zoo, Blair Castle & Gardens, Hotel, Buscot Manor, Caravan and Motorhome Club Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park, Bredgar & (Experience Freedom) Chardon Hotels (), Wormshill Light Railway, Bute Museum, CADW, Can You Chester Hotel and Apartments, Crerar Hotels, Crowne Escape Ltd, Canoe Wild, Canterbury Cathedral, Cook Plaza, Forest Holidays, Fourwinds B&B, Glenburn Hotel, Museum, Dolphin Spirit, Dundee Museum of Transport, Golden Palms Resort, Hallmark Hotels, HF Holidays, Dynamic Earth, Falkirk Wheel (Scottish Canals), Hilton Hotels, Homelands Trust, Hostelling Scotland, Glasgow Life, Glasgow Science Centre, Go Ape, Herne Hotels, Mother Ivey’s Bay, , Parkdean Bay Mini Golf, Historic Environment Scotland, Inveraray Resorts, Reads Court Holiday Apartments, Riviera Jail, Jacobite Cruises, John Lawson’s Circus, KeeToo Guesthouse, The Great Grub B&B, The Shores Hotel, App, Kelpies (The Helix – Falkirk Community Trust), Tingdene, Towan Valley, Tyddyn Retreat, West Dorset Kent Life, Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Leeds Leisure Holidays, YHA Castle, Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, London Bridge City, Make It York (and all their partners), Milford Transport Waterfront, Monkey World, Museum of the Order Abellio ScotRail, Allenby Coach Hire, CalMac Ferries of St John, National Museums of Scotland, National Ltd, GWR, National Express, Northlink Ferries, Rabbies, Trust, National Trust for Scotland, National Wallace Radical Travel, Scottish Citylink, Timberbush Tours, Monument, New Lanark Visitor Attraction, Palace of TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales, West Coast Holyrood House, Paradise Wildlife Park, Pembrokeshire Motors (City Sightseeing) Coast National Park Authority, Penshurst Place & Gardens, Rare Breeds Centre, Royal Yacht Britannia, Umbrella bodies Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, SEA LIFE British Holiday & Home Parks Association Ltd, Caravan Scarborough & Loch Lomond (Merlin Entertainments), and Motorhome Club, eviivo, Kids in Museums, Steamship Sir Walter Scott, The Canterbury Tales, The Make It York, UK Coach Awards, Visit Blackpool, Real Mary King’s Close, Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, Tower Visit Bristol, Visit Herts, Visit Kent, Visit Wales, Bridge, Ventura Wildlife Park, Westminster Abbey, VisitEngland, VisitScotland Willows Activity Farm, ZSL London Zoo

To find out how you can get involved please contact John Kinnear at [email protected] or 020 3117 0651

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

The Family Holiday Association is a registered charity in England and Wales (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.