Charity celebrates 50 years of 'transformative' holidays

Charity celebrates 50 years of 'transformative' holidaysImage source, suppliedImage caption, Brad and Skyla were referred by the homeless charity Shelter to the Sheffield Family Holiday FundBySimon ThakeBBC YorkshirePublishedJust nowA long-standing Sheffield charity is celebrating its 50th anniversary providing much-needed holidays and short breaks for local families facing adversity.Founded in 1976, the volunteer-led Sheffield Family Holiday Fund (SFHF) gives thousands of children and parents a chance to escape the pressures of daily life.The charity works closely with community partners to identify appropriate families many of whom are navigating illness, disability, bereavement, domestic abuse, or homelessness.Typical breaks include traditional seaside destinations including Cleethorpes, Filey, and Butlins in Skegness, as well as an annual festive trip to the Lyceum Theatre for the Christmas pantomime.Chair David Meadows is one of 12 volunteer trustees who runs the charity and said "it's amazing" to see the impact the holidays have on families."A holiday is not a luxury for a family in crisis; it is a proven intervention that repairs fractured relationships, boosts children's confidence, and improves mental health".Meadows also recognises the impact the holidays can have on children's "connection" at school."When teachers ask the class 'what have you done over your holidays?' children can share those stories and feel really proud about what they've done with their peers," he said.Image source, suppliedImage caption, Skyla, 8, enjoyed a holiday playing on the beach in Skegness courtesy of the Sheffield Family Holiday Fund In 2025 alone, the charity sent 221 individuals (57 families, including 113 children) away for a break. Referrals came from frontline services, with 22% of support going to young carers, 19% to families raising a child with Special Educational Needs (SEN), and 19% to...