A short break means a world of difference

With summer just around the corner, we met with families raising disabled children to see how a holiday grant from Family Fund provided some much needed break.

Holidays provide new opportunities to play

Emma, mum of 13-year-old Lennon shared how their Family Fund grant allowed Lennon to feel included. Lennon has global developmental delay, learning difficulties and autism.

“Family Fund have helped us over the years with family breaks and holidays. Life at home is hard, and this time away gives us quality time together. More importantly, it allows Lennon to interact and play with other children, which isn’t always possible at home. The children ask us why Lennon can’t walk or talk ‘properly’. By the end of the holiday, every child knows Lennon. They involve him in their play and want to include him.”

“We crave interactions like these for Lennon, and we’re so grateful to Family Fund for gifting us with these precious and magical moments” 

– Emma, Lennon’s mum

Money for a break is hard to find

The hours spent caring for disabled children, and the additional costs family face for their disabled child, means saving money for a family break is hard. Ruairidh lives in Edinburgh with his dad, Alfie, sister Eilidh, and mum, Louise.

Louise says: “Our family’s earning potential is less because of Ruairidh’s needs. There are often times I have to cancel clients. We feel burnt out, exhausted from constantly advocating for Ruairidh, filling in forms and talking to professionals. That can feel like a full time job in itself.”

“Family Fund and Take a Break Scotland gave us a grant for a family break, so we went to the Enchanted Forest to see their light show. It was magical to see him enjoying himself, as he spends a lot of his time anxious and dysregulated.”

“It was nice to do something as a family and it gave us a huge boost, seeing him experience joy, being free, exploring and running.”

– Louise, Ruairidh’s mum.

To see if you are eligible for a family break or holiday, visit our eligibility webpage. And if you had a great experience on a family break grant you received from Family Fund, share your story today.