Hundreds of struggling families in the UK may be offered a weekend trip thanks to funding from a new government scheme.
More than 800 holidays and trips for families will be funded by the £600,000 ‘England for Everyone’ fund.
The fund will support parents, carers, and young people experiencing difficult times to get away, relax and enjoy themselves on a weekend break in England.
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Families who have never been on a holiday can be referred to the Family Holiday Charity for a weekend trip and will have a choice of where they will visit - from campsites to chalets and caravans to lodges across the country.
Referees could include people such as social workers and teachers, and holiday vouchers would be provided to help cover transport, accommodation and food. Visit England is also working closely with holiday parks to include free onsite activities.
Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston said: "Holidays provide a vital opportunity for people to reset, spend quality time together and improve their mental wellbeing. But for many families taking a break can be impossible.
"Following the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are helping families facing particularly tough times to have a much-needed break while supporting our brilliant tourism and hospitality sector."
Kat Lee, chief executive of Family Holiday Charity, said: "Holidays bring wellbeing and mental health benefits, and the opportunity to try new things and think differently. On holiday families make memories that help when times get tough. And families who have experienced a Family Holiday Charity break are more confident, better able to engage with learning and play a more active part in their communities."
Research by Family Holiday Charity has shown that short breaks can have huge benefits, with 85% of families finding children who had a break were going to school more regularly and 84% saying children were less isolated and getting more involved in their community since returning home.
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