Aims

The aim of the scheme is to provide a break for children and families who are socially excluded. In so doing, there can be the opportunity to help address the imbalance of support, motivating and equipping the child to break out of what might be a longstanding family cycle of poverty.

Holidays are provided in one of three ways, depending on the needs of the child and family; individual holidays in the summer either with a volunteer host family or at Teen Ranch near Perth, or at one of our four static caravans at Wemyss Bay.

120 families annually experience a caravan holiday, which can make the difference between a complete breakdown and coping with the varied stresses of disability and social isolation.The only charge for a caravan holiday is £20.

Referrals come from social workers, teachers, health visitors, clergy etc. The children stay for a week during the school summer holidays with a volunteer host family, sharing ordinary family life with them.

The experience is often mind-broadening, and enhances children’s self-esteem and confidence. There is also the possibility of a supportive relationship developing between host and child. This is a common occurrence that has major benefits throughout what can be a difficult childhood and adolescence for many young people. The results can be dramatic; children staying on for further education, training for employment, reaching for and achieving new-found goals.

On average the scheme supports over 400 children annually, many of whom return to host families for up to five or six years.