England for Everyone
England for Everyone
For many families in England, holidays are out of reach. Low incomes, caring needs and other pressures can mean that even a week-long domestic trip is unattainable for 2.2 million households in the UK. But we believe that everybody should have the chance to enjoy a break, and build life-long memories of visiting the seaside or countryside.
That’s why we deliver the England for Everyone fund. In collaboration with the Family Holiday Charity, we’re able to provide short breaks for families who couldn’t otherwise afford one. Almost half of the families that the fund supports have never had a holiday together before.
In 2022, the fund enabled 822 families to visit holiday parks, forest lodges and coastal resorts around Britain, for a much-needed change of scene. This year the fund has already surpassed its target, with more than 650 families booked onto trips.
Boosting well-being and the economy
The England for Everyone fund was established in 2022, with the kind support of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). We (VisitEngland) administer the fund, and for the past two years have partnered with the Family Holiday Charity to enable family holidays to take place.
The charity works with registered referrers, such as support workers or teachers, who recommend families most in need of a break. Families eligible for the fund must be working with a referrer, have a household income of less than £24,000, have one child under 18, and not have holidayed in at least four years. Additional family challenges may include long-term illness, bereavement, disability, domestic abuse or caring responsibilities.
According to research by the Family Holiday Charity, not only do such initiatives have a positive impact on the well-being of families, but they also extend the tourist season and support employment in the tourism industry.
England for Everyone: in numbers
An estimated 6,405 people have benefitted from England for Everyone breaks – and almost half of the families had never had a family holiday before (48%).
87% said that the trip had helped to reduce stress and worry, with comments praising the benefits of the break in routine, and being away from home.
Almost all of the families rated their holidays between 7 and 10 on a scale of 1-10, where 10 is excellent (95%).
A third (34%) of completed applications were on behalf of one-adult families, while the majority were on behalf of families with two or more adults (66%).
Accommodation was also rated very highly, with 91% giving a rating of between 7 and 10.
Data sourced by Family Holiday Charity and Qa Research.
England for Everyone: impact
“The best moments [of the break] were every moment for this family: they have been homeless for a long time, and never been on a holiday. They were touched by the lovely welcome pack in the room – milk, cheese, bread, etc – and the free activities as money is very short. Most of all they were grateful for the time together, carefree.” – Referrer
“One of the children was able to write about his experience in his school homework. That definitely boosted him, as it gave him something new to share: previously he’d never had anything to say when others were sharing about their own holiday and exciting experiences they’d had with their families.” – Referrer
“It has given me the strength to carry on, and deal with challenges when we got home as we both were still feeling relaxed. Before the holiday, I did at times feel like I could not carry on and felt like giving up on life.” – Participant
“The time we spent together where we were not worried about my ex-husband turning up. My boys felt free, they played together with other children, they absolutely loved it as did I – I can’t thank you enough.” – Participant
“My little boys say things like, “for Christmas I only got this, but that naughty boy in class got a PlayStation – does Father Christmas think he’s better than me?” You know, when they judge themselves [like] that, it used to make me feel terrible. [But] to be able to give them exactly what other people get was so nice. You could see how uplifted they were: they felt equal, if that makes sense.” – Participant
“I’m not saying I’d be able to [afford a holiday] again in a year, but if we started putting even £10 a month away, maybe in two years’ time I could do it. You’ve set the tone for us – and that is probably the most valuable thing that you’ve given us, [showing us] that the opportunity is not impossible. We thought it was impossible. And it’s not impossible.” – Participant
“I just felt free, I can’t tell you the feeling when I stepped out into the sun when we first arrived. And to feel the sand and the breeze and it was just like, wow, and the boys were so happy. It was such a good environment for them to be.” – Participant
Beneficial breaks for all
England for Everyone trips are inclusive of accommodation, as well as a contribution towards travel and food. The breaks are taken from Monday to Friday, or from Friday to Monday; families with preschool-age children may travel at any time, while those with older children travel during the school holidays.
Each holiday includes:
- Accommodation for the family, including pets (if applicable or possible).
- A contribution to travel by public transport, or petrol if using own vehicle.
- A contribution towards food on the holiday – such as vouchers to spend at a supermarket or restaurant, or a combination of both.
About the Family Holiday Charity
“We’re here for children who’ve never seen the sea. For teenagers who can’t remember when they last saw mum smile. For parents having to choose between a day out and a pair of school shoes. For young carers, grandparent carers and families facing illness, isolation or bereavement.” – Family Holiday Charity
The Family Holiday Charity is the leading national charity dedicated to providing holidays for families who are coping with some of life’s toughest challenges. It works with families who have not holidayed in at least four years, with an annual household income of less than £24,000, and at least one child under 18. The families are referred by registered professionals, such as support workers or school personnel.
Registered Charity: 800262 in England and Wales, and SC048203 in Scotland.
Thank you from Family Holiday Charity Chief Executive
I’d like to pass on particular thanks to the DCMS and VisitEngland for providing the funding for England for Everyone. As a result of their vision, 1,489 families have been able to enjoy a holiday. Many for the first time ever."
Make a difference
Make a difference
The Family Holiday Charity welcomes donations from individuals and businesses – and every penny helps to share the joy and freedom of a holiday with families who need it most.
The Family Holiday Charity welcomes donations from individuals and businesses – and every penny helps to share the joy and freedom of a holiday with families who need it most.
Contact us
For more information on England for Everyone, including ways to support the initiative, please contact [email protected].
