Nominate a family in your area in need of a free holiday

Do you know a family, NHS or frontline worker in your area that has been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and needs a break?

As part of the nation’s emotional and wellbeing recovery from the pandemic, the national charity YHA (England & Wales) wants to give away free holidays to families in your area.

The breaks have been funded from donations from members of the public to YHA’s Project90 appeal which was launched as part of the youth hostelling charity’s 90^th anniversary celebrations. 

Donations to date will enable YHA to fund a total of 400 much-needed family breaks across England and Wales.

Conscious that fewer people can now afford a break because of the pandemic, YHA particularly wants to hear from families that have been financially impacted in the crisis and are in need of some quality family time together.

Family time together on holiday is more important than ever. In a survey* conducted by the 90 year old charity, it was found that more than three quarters (77%) of parents believe that an annual family holiday is important in order to spend more time with their family (78%), however 12% of survey respondents had not been able to take a family holiday at all in the last three years.

While the free breaks are being rolled out, fundraising for YHA’s Project90 campaign continues. YHA hopes to raise a further £120,000 to give breaks to 500 more families in need of rest, recuperation or spending quality time away together.

The breaks are available at YHA’s network of youth hostels in England and Wales in both coastal and rural locations.

The 153-strong network of youth hostels, which were closed during lockdown, re-opened on the 17 July with a pledge from the charity to play a key role in the recovery of society by helping people reconnect with each other, the outdoors, nature, culture and heritage.

James Blake, Chief Executive of YHA (England & Wales) explained: “The pandemic has put enormous financial and emotional strain on many people and has left a number of NHS and frontline workers and families suffering hardship. A break away together can make all the difference to these families and be an important part of their wellbeing recovery. It will give them valuable time together to reconnect in the outdoors as well as have fun in the process.

“I very much hope that people will get in touch with us and either put themselves forward for a break or nominate a family that they feel would benefit from spending some quality time together.”

If you know of a family that would benefit from a short break away, let YHA know at https://getinvolved.yha.org.uk/breaks-for-key-workers/

To donate to YHA’s Project90 campaign and help it reach even more families, please visit getinvolved.yha.org.uk/fundraising/appeals/project90/

YHA (England & Wales) is a leading youth charity with 90-year history of making travel and adventure accessible to all, especially young people.

Established in 1930, YHA’s charitable object remains as relevant in 2020 as it was in 1930 – ‘To help all, especially young people of limited means, to a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, and appreciation of the cultural values of towns and cities, particularly by providing youth hostels or other simple accommodation for them in their travels, and thus to promote their health, recreation and education.’

As part of YHA’s 90^th anniversary celebrations the charity has launched the Project90 fundraising appeal. Details of Project90 can be found at getinvolved.yha.org.uk/fundraising/appeals/project90/

YHA’s charitable purpose is at the forefront of its new 10-year strategy, which will be launched on 30 April 2020. Ahead of the launch, a summary of the YHA strategy - Adventure. For the first time and a lifetime. Our 10 year strategy for connecting people and places. -  can be viewed and downloaded at yha.org.uk/about-yha/yha-strategy-2020

Operating more than 150 locations throughout England and Wales, YHA offers a unique range of affordable accommodation including youth hostels, camping and cabins in rural, coastal and city locations.

Through its social enterprise model, revenue from YHA’s hostel accommodation is directed towards its social purpose. 

YHA prides itself on providing affordable, contemporary accommodation and a life-enriching, social experience which differs from a hotel stay.

Since 2010 more than £40million has been invested in YHA’s existing network of accommodation as well as the acquisition of new hostels. YHA’s most recent hostel acquisitions include YHA Newcastle Central (November 2019) and YHA Liverpool Central (November 2019).

Through access to travel, heritage, culture, outdoors and nature, YHA aims to improve outcomes related to health, wellbeing and life chances for young people and families, particularly those with challenging lives.

YHA’s partnerships are extensive and involve organisations and charities working at virtually every potential touchpoint in young people’s lives from schools and colleges, Movement to Work, The Duke of Edinburgh Award, Family Holiday Association and School Journey Association, amongst many others.

YHA is a leading provider of residential school trips, with more than 80 Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) accredited sites — more than any other provider. Committed to quality outdoor education, YHA champions the national #BrilliantResidentials campaign.

YHA delivers measurable impact, nurturing young people’s personal and social development through education, upskilling and work readiness schemes.

In 2019 - 2020

• 1,024,966 people stayed with YHA and 405,950 guests were aged under 26 – an increase of 5% on the previous year
• Over 150,000 young people accessed an affordable residential learning experience through their school or group
• Over 6,500 young people and families with challenging lives received free or supported breaks
• Over 1,000 young people volunteered with YHA

In the current coronavirus crisis, YHA is repurposing a number of hostels to support the national fight against the disease. For example, YHA Bath, Manchester, Oxford, Bristol, Brighton and Cardiff have all been licensed to local councils temporarily to support the most vulnerable.

To see the difference that YHA makes to the lives of young people and their families, visit YHA’s YouTube channel.

Further information about YHA can be found at yha.org.uk

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