Last year, 23 families had the chance to go on holiday through Away from it All (AFIA) – a holiday scheme, primarily funded by Mothers’ Union members to give the opportunity of a break to those who may be experiencing stress or difficulties in their family life.
Mothers’ Union aim to make sure holidays are arranged in a way that meet the needs of the individuals. For example, one family went to a Sykes Holiday Cottage for a week and other families had a four-night’s stay in a Haven Park. The average cost of these holidays is just over £600, and this is with thanks to the help of leisure and travel organisations who provide a small amount of charity discount.
In 2023 there were twice as many families to receive an opportunity to take a break than in 2022. Here’s what the families had to say about their experience:
“Thank you so much; we all had a wonderful time at the caravan. It was just what we needed.”
“Words can never express the depths of gratitude that my family and I have in our hearts. Being a mother who had fled domestic abuse and had not spent time away with my children, it was a truly much needed breath of fresh air. On our final night, I went for a walk and the view of the sun setting was breathtaking. The sky was illuminated in reds and oranges. It reminded me of how awesome God is and how his creation displays his beauty and majesty.”
“We really enjoyed the holiday, especially my son (suffering from multiple allergies). He is really happy and enjoyed every minute of it.”
“My kids had a lovely time and were so happy. They want to go again but everything is so expensive at the moment; it makes it difficult as we still need spending money. My kids are forever grateful and so happy that they were able to experience this time together as my mental health is not so great at the moment, so thanks again for being so kind to me and the family”.
In total the number of people who have benefited from a holiday in 2023 was 118; 63 adults and 55 children.
Sally Steele, AFIA coordinator for Southwark said: “This is an amazing total and we are grateful to all branches for their continuing fantastic efforts at fundraising for AFIA.”
If you would like to know more, know someone who could benefit or would like to donate to this work then please contact Sally by email at: [email protected]
