Sheffield Family Holiday Fund Marks 50 Years of Supporting Families in Need

The Sheffield Family Holiday Fund celebrates 50 years of providing holidays to families facing adversity, improving children's wellbeing and family relationships through transformative breaks.

Sheffield Family Holiday Fund Celebrates 50 Years of Support

Brad and Skyla were referred by the homeless charity Shelter to the Sheffield Family Holiday Fund.

A long-established charity in Sheffield is commemorating its 50th anniversary by continuing to provide essential holidays and short breaks for local families experiencing hardship.

Founded in 1976, the volunteer-driven Sheffield Family Holiday Fund (SFHF) has enabled thousands of children and parents to take a break from the stresses of everyday life.

The charity collaborates closely with community partners to identify families in need, many of whom are coping with challenges such as illness, disability, bereavement, domestic abuse, or homelessness.

Typical holiday destinations include traditional seaside locations such as Cleethorpes, Filey, and Butlins in Skegness, along with an annual festive outing to the Lyceum Theatre to enjoy the Christmas pantomime.

Chair David Meadows, one of twelve volunteer trustees managing the charity, described the impact of these holidays as "amazing."

"A holiday is not a luxury for a family in crisis; it is a proven intervention that repairs fractured relationships, boosts children's confidence, and improves mental health."

Meadows also highlighted the positive effect holidays have on children's social connections at school.

"When teachers ask the class 'what have you done over your holidays?' children can share those stories and feel really proud about what they've done with their peers," he said.

Skyla, 8, enjoyed a holiday playing on the beach in Skegness courtesy of the Sheffield Family Holiday Fund.

A sweet girl in pink glasses and blonde hair tied back smiles to the camera — Image caption, Skyla, 8, enjoyed a holiday playing on the beach in Skegness courtesy of the Sheffield Family Holiday Fund

Recent Impact and Partnerships

In 2025 alone, the charity facilitated breaks for 221 individuals from 57 families, including 113 children.

Referrals were made by frontline services, with 22% of support directed to young carers, 19% to families raising children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), and another 19% to those experiencing homelessness.

Over the past two decades, SFHF has partnered with the national Family Holiday Charity, which works directly with families recommended by community groups such as Sheffield Young Carers Project, Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Shelter, and Zest.

Recent data from the national charity indicates that 62% of supported families had never previously taken a holiday, and 93% reported improvements in their children's mental health following the breaks.

Personal Stories of Benefit

Yemi, a mother of four lively boys, and her husband Temitayo also benefited from a SFHF holiday to Skegness.

A family selfie with Dad taking the picture in a cap and Mum cuddling four boys in t-shirts — Image caption, Yemi, a mother of four energetic boys and her husband Temitayo also benefitted from a SFHF holiday to Skegness.

One family recently supported by the charity was Brad and his eight-year-old daughter Skyla, who is autistic and has ADHD.

Following a relationship breakdown, Brad and Skyla moved in with his mother, with Brad becoming a full-time carer for both. He later discovered he had suffered multiple strokes affecting his eyesight.

The homeless charity Shelter referred them to SFHF, and they enjoyed a week in Skegness during Skyla's birthday, spending time swimming, playing arcade games, and relaxing.

For Brad, the experience had a simple yet profound effect.

"It was just good to see my daughter smiling after all the stress we've had to go through," he said.

Shortly after returning to South Yorkshire, Brad and Skyla were able to move into their first permanent home.

Yemi and her husband Temitayo noted improvements in their youngest son Ayosubomi's behaviour at school following their holiday.

A man and woman and young son hold hands and smile in the sunshine. They are all dressed in summer clothes — Image caption, Yemi and husband Temitayo say their youngest son Ayosubomi's behaviour improved at school after their holiday

"It was our very first holiday as a family, and when we found out we were going, we were so happy," Yemi said.

"For my boys, it was their first time on a train, and they were beyond excited," she added.

Yemi explained that Ayosubomi, a "lockdown baby," had missed out on social interaction with other children.

She described the holiday's outcome as "wonderful."

"He came home from school and told me about how he's been playing nicely with other children and sharing toys. His behaviour has improved so much, and I'm incredibly proud of him."

Referrals and Long-Term Benefits

Helen Bolt, the family services manager for Sheffield Young Carers who refers families to the charity, described the holidays as "transformative."

"They create space for positive shared memories, something many families may not otherwise have the opportunity to do. They help improve family functioning and emotional wellbeing long after the holiday ends."