Statistics from the Office for National Statistics show almost one in three families cannot afford a one week break away from home . Social exclusion is damaging - physically and emotionally. 

Those excluded from holidays are often those most in need. Lack of holidays can have an adverse effect on health and well-being as well as causing feelings of depression, isolation and alienation from peers and society at large. In its social inclusion policy, the government has recognised the importance of holidays and leisure.

For families coping, year in year out, with very low income and often ill-health or disability, poor housing and nowhere safe for children to play, the holiday they cannot afford can be a lifeline, not a luxury.

The Family Holiday Association is the only national charity dedicated to helping provide holidays for families who desperately need a break. All the families referred to FHA come via social workers, health visitors or other agencies. A family can choose their holiday within a modest ceiling which is sufficient for a week's holiday and travel in the UK. FHA has discount arrangements with many holiday centres.

FHA is anxious to ensure that the holiday experience is the same for these families as for ordinary families - the fun is in the choice and planning, as well as the holiday itself, and it is vital that the families are not singled out or made to feel 'a charity case' in any way.

It is all important that staff in the tourism industry recognise that for people with very little money, a holiday is even more precious than for those enjoying regular breaks. Treatment of people must not be proportional to the amount they pay - everyone deserves to be made to feel welcome on a holiday, and to have their needs properly provided for. Most of the families FHA helps have never been able to give their children a holiday, and they especially need to be made to feel comfortable.

FHA has been widely adopted as 'the travel industry's charity', but still needs much more support. Whatever kind of fundraising opportunities you may have, why not choose FHA as the beneficiary? There are many different ideas for fundraising: an auction (of things, or people's services), a dance or concert, a sale, or a raffle. Holiday providers might consider offering holidays for FHA either to offer families or to use as prizes in fundraising activities. FHA can provide the full range of fundraising aids: leaflets, stickers, collecting boxes and posters.