The need

According to UK government figures, about 2.2 million families - about 7m children and parents - don't go on holiday each year, because of poverty. We estimate 1.5m million families cannot even afford a day at the seaside. These relatively recent statistics from the Office for National Statistics (view our analysis of the ONS statistics) show almost one in three families cannot afford a one week break away from home.

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. Social exclusion is damaging - physically and emotionally.  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 the charity 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. The Family Holiday Association has discount arrangements with many holiday centres.

The charity 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 different in any way.  Many of the families the charity helps directly have never been able to give their children a holiday.  If you would like to look at our ever expanding catalogue of research into the benefits of a break away from home - click here.

Our funding

The work of the Family Holiday Association includes providing grants to families towards the cost of their holiday; lobbying and campaigning for greater awareness and working with other like-minded organisations.

The charity is funded at different levels by a wide range of people and organisations; made up approximately of the following (2008 figures) :

31% from private individuals

6% from fundraising events

17% from trusts

4% from our local groups in Rotherham, North London and Sheffield

40% Corporate donations

2% from investments and interest

To download our latest annual reviews - click here.

You can help

The Family Holiday Association still needs much more support. Whatever kind of fundraising opportunities you may have, why not choose the Family Holiday Association as the beneficiary? Click here to find out how you can support the work of the charity.