For over 40 years, the Family Holiday Association has provided breaks for UK families struggling with issues such as disability, severe and sudden illness, bereavement, mental health issues and domestic violence.

The charity was founded on the belief that holidays are a lifeline, not a luxury, and this is a key principle that survives to this day. The majority of families we help have never before been on a family holiday. The evidence shows that spending time together away from their daily struggles can be life-changing for the families we work with.

The majority of breaks we provide involve short trips to the British seaside. We also enable families to go on day trips – such as a simple day out at the seaside or local tourist attraction or museum – and occasionally other types of break, such as group trips. We do not offer trips abroad.

All the families we support are referred to us by professionals in the community who we believe are best placed to identify those who will benefit the most. Our referral network includes teachers, social workers, health visitors and other charities.

Attendance By Professional Referral