Families of children with disabilities often shoulder extra costs, stress, and barriers — making a proper holiday feel almost impossible. But there are grants, charities, and programmes that offer free or heavily subsidised breaks. Below is a guide to what is available now, how you can apply — and what you should ask your local authority to check
| Provider / Programme | What They Offer | Eligibility / Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Fund — Family Break Grants | Grants for accessible UK or overseas family breaks via partners like Haven, Butlin’s, etc. | Must be a low‑income family raising a disabled or seriously ill child. Breaks must be booked within 6 months. (Family Fund) | Family Fund — Family Breaks |
| The 3H Foundation — Holiday Grants | Awards between £250 and £550 toward UK accommodation cost. | For low income families with disabled members. Grants go to venue directly. (the3hfoundation.org.uk) | 3H Foundation Holiday Grants |
| Henry Smith Charity — Holiday Grants for Children | Grants to youth groups / schools to take disabled children (<13) on trips | Only for organisations, not individual families. (Henry Smith) | Henry Smith Holiday Grants |
| Family Holiday Charity / Other Charities | Low‑cost or subsidised holiday accommodation for families, illness conditions | Check region and terms. (Family Holiday Charity) | Family Holiday Charity & Resources |
| Local Authority / LA Programmes | In some LAs, councils or “Local Offer” pages list holiday breaks, accessible grants, day visits, subsidised trips | Depends heavily on region; contact your LA’s children’s services or disability team | — |
🏛️ What Your Local Authority Should Provide (Ask For These)
- Accessible holiday/short break schemes: Many LAs have “short breaks” budgets for children with disabilities.
- Respite or day‑trip programmes: Even if full holiday is not offered, councils sometimes provide day out schemes or smaller breaks.
- Grants via local charities: Some LAs partner with charities and allocate funding locally.
- Local Offer listings: Every LA has a Local Offer website — search “holiday breaks”, “short breaks”, “respite holidays”.
- Assistance via social care or disability services: If your child is receiving services, ask whether interventions include break support.
🛠 How to Apply & Increase Your Chances
- Keep an up-to-date list
Bookmark the providers above and your LA’s offers. Grant windows often open and close fast. - Prepare documents
Prove diagnosis, disability, extra needs, financial situation. Use doctor, therapist, school statements. - Write a strong story
Explain why this break matters — to mental health, recovery, family connection. Give concrete detail. - Don’t pre‑book
Wait until approval arrives. Many grants won’t reimburse bookings made beforehand. - Stay persistent
If one round is closed, check back often. Some programmes reopen. - Use AskEllie+
You can draft your application, check eligibility, and get help with wording via the AI tool.
📌 Why This Matters
These holidays aren’t just “nice extras” — for many families they’re lifelines. A good break can help:
- Reduce burnout and improve mental health
- Let your child feel included and rested
- Rebuild relationships without constant stress
- Give you energy to continue fighting for justice in education, health, and social care
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