YHA giving free short breaks to families in need in Rochdale

Leading youth charity YHA (England and Wales) is giving families in Rochdale a free short break thanks to its new Family Breaks initiative.

YHA is offering a free two-night stay and meals in one of its Youth Hostels in England and Wales to families in Rochdale struggling with financial hardship, disability, long-term illness, bereavement, homelessness or other challenging circumstances. to enable them to have some quality family time.

YHA Family Breaks recognises the benefits of time away from the normal home environment in strengthening relationships and acknowledging that family time is the cornerstone of children’s happiness and wellbeing.

The 87-year-old charity has found that families struggling with bereavement, homelessness or long-term disability and illness often struggle with financial hardship that limit their ability to take a break, at a time when they need it most to make happy memories, build bonds, and heal emotional scars.

Up to two adults and their children can apply to YHA’s Family Breaks’ programme for a short break.

The Family Breaks fund enables more of the UK’s 2.17 million families in the UK who are unable to afford a break at any time of the year, to benefit from much needed time away from normal life and give them the opportunity to leave behind the stresses of everyday life and bond as a family.

All the Youth Hostels available within the programme are located within city, rural and coastal areas that are easily accessible by public transport. Families will be provided with a private room and meals throughout their stay.

YHA’s Family Breaks is part of YHA’s brand new Breaks Programme which aims to reach young people and families with the most challenging lives and provide them with life changing experiences. YHA’s Breaks support programme also provides funding to young people from low-income households participating in educational trips through school or youth groups.

The programme has been running for more than 20 years, however has recently undergone a full review to ensure that it is benefitting the very young people who need it most.

James Blake, Chief Executive of YHA (England and Wales) said: “As a charity that has worked with young people in the outdoors for more than 80 years, we understand first-hand the benefits a short break can bring to their lives, particularly those children who have challenging lives.

“Although YHA is committed to providing low cost accommodation, we discovered that this was beyond the reach of the UK’s most disadvantaged families, meaning the young people most in need of support are missing out on valuable bonding time with their family and the opportunity to improve their health, education.

“Following the review of our Breaks Programme, we can now reach even more children than ever, giving them the opportunity to explore the UK with their families so they can enjoy an enriching and much needed get away.”

To apply for a YHA Breaks family holiday, visit:

www.yha.org.uk/support-programmes/families

Or calling Freephone 0800 0191 700.