We work to promote the quality of family life for those parents and children who experience disadvantage as a result of poverty through the provision of and by promoting access to holidays and other recreational activities. In 2009 we expect to help over 1,600 families enjoy a break as a result of our grant-making programme.

A welcome from John McDonald, the charity's director

"Thank you for taking the time to learn about the work of the Family Holiday Association.  For the past 35 years the charity has been helping families access that important break away from home.  But, despite hoping to directly helping 2,000 families this year, we can't ignore the millions of other families missing out because of poverty and whom we can't possibly reach.  That is why we promote the concept of social tourism to government, both national and local, as an effective addition to social welfare provision in the UK. 

"Any support you can provide be it as a donor, a welfare agent or as someone who, like us, intuitively understands the benefits of a break will be much appreciated.  

"Why not make a donation today, or download an application form for one of your clients, or show your support by signing our social tourism declaration.   Working together we can give families a break!"

John McDonald, Director 

Listen to a message from John with input from Liam, Georgina and Trudi -

The player will show in this paragraph

Watch our short video

The player will show in this paragraph

Background

The Family Holiday Association is the only charity in the UK that specialises in helping

provide holidays for families and children in need. Since its beginning in 1975, when the charity was set up by Joan and Pat Laurance, the Family Holiday Association has helped over 130,000 parents, children and young people to have a holiday. Pat Laurance passed away on 11 January 2008 aged 88.

Listen here to a recording of Pat and Joan Laurance speaking about their involvement with the Family Holiday Association

The player will show in this paragraph

What some leading figures say -
	"Family holidays hold a special place in our memories as parents and as children. There is something different about spending time away from home as a family. There are new experiences, opportunities and challenges to be shared and to reminisce over. We travel, we encounter new situations, we explore new environments. "Not all families have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a holiday. This may be as a result of limited income, hardship or domestic circumstances. I firmly believe that even a simple break away from home can make a real difference to a family’s stability and happiness.  That is why I support the work of the Family Holiday Association which endeavours to facilitate access to holidays for families who are currently excluded, for whatever reason. As a Patron, I commend the Association to you."   Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, Patron of the Family Holiday Association
	“A simple break away from the pressures of home brings families closer together and better able to face the future. This is particularly true for those families who can least afford a holiday. Helping to build stronger, happier families should be of importance to everyone who values the well being of their community and society.” Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, (former Archbishop of Westminster), Patron of the Family Holiday Association
	"Families in this country can be divided and fragmented by all manner of difficulties and problems so anything that brings them together again is to be commended. Research has shown the importance of a break away from home for families faced with issues such as debt, disability and bereavement.  "The Family Holiday Association fills an important gap in our society. Those excluded from holidays are often those most in need and their social exclusion is damaging both physically and emotionally. Many of the families helped by the Family Holiday Association have never been able to give their children a short break, let alone a much needed holiday. I hope you will join me in supporting their vital work."   Sir Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi, Patron of the Family Holiday Association
	"Holidays are a vital event in personal well-being. It is tragic that so many people still have no holidays away from home." Professor Richard Layard, author of Happiness: Lessons of a New Science

How the charity works
The Family Holiday Association is the only national charity dedicated to helping disadvantaged families access holidays.

Who do we help?
The charity helps to provide breaks away from home for economically and socially deprived children and their families. Typically, the families are affected by severe financial hardship and with extra difficulties such as long-term or terminal illness, violence or abuse, depression, disability or overcrowded and inadequate housing.  Currently, the charity hopes to help about 2,000 families this year - around 9,000 individuals - to have what is often their first ever family holiday.

How do we help?

By providing grants: the Family Holiday Association makes a modest grant towards the cost of a break.

By lobbying and campaigning: the charity is involved in raising the profile of its work, and in raising awareness with the public and government of the benefits of holidays for those in need.

By working with others: the Family Holiday Association works with local authorities, GPs, social workers, voluntary and statutory bodies, the media, and other like-minded agencies both here and in the rest of Europe.

The way we work

Applications for holidays for families in need are referred to the charity's Programme Team from various welfare sources such as social workers, GPs, health visitors and both voluntary and statutory agencies. Referrals also come from national charities such as Barnardos and Family Action as well as smaller local voluntary organisations.

The Family Holiday Association responds to the applications by making funds available to the welfare agencies, who help the families with holiday bookings and arrangements.  A grant helps to cover the cost of accommodation, travel and food money for one week, usually at a UK seaside holiday centre or caravan site run by organisations such as Butlins or Haven.  Alternatively, the charity may help to fund a break in another area, perhaps with relatives.

See Application Forms and Information page