Short breaks for families with a disability

Activity breaks for members of the Armed Forces and their families who have a child with a disability and/or an additional need.

All the children and myself really enjoyed our break - It’s not often we find places where they fit in and can completely be their true selves. What you are giving families is amazing. It’s a chance for them to fit in, an environment where our kids can thrive and a brilliant platform for them to meet other families in circumstances similar to their own.

- 2023 Short Breaks Parent


2024 family break applications have now closed for the year; applications will re-open at the beginning of 2025. If you are not a member already, you may want to consider signing up to the Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF) mailing list as you will be first to hear about application openings.


Short Breaks 2024:

10 – 12 May
Calvert Trust, Lake District


22 – 26 July

Calvert Trust, Lake District


19 – 23 August

Calvert Trust, Exmoor


28 October – 1 November

Calvert Trust, Exmoor

There must be at least one parent attending alongside their children. Daily activities for each break will include:

  • Kayaking
  • Archery
  • Abseiling
  • Low ropes
  • Rock climbing

Families sleep in their own rooms on-site, most rooms are made up of twin and triple beds. We will make sure that families are in rooms next to one another if we cannot fit the whole family in one room. Three hot meals a day are provided.

Please note, the SSAFA Family Breaks are very popular so places are given on a first come, first serve basis and priority given to those who have not attended before. You may only apply for one of the breaks and we will allocate which centre when giving spaces. If you are unable to make one of the dates please state this on your application form.

Eligibility:

  • All children within the family must be between 5-18 years.
  • Children are dependents of a current Serving person or reservist.
  • One child attending must have an additional need and/or disability.
  • At least one parent must attend the break with their child/ren.

 


We are pleased to report that Annington is continuing its incredible support of SSAFA's Short Breaks.


For further support, or to speak to a member of the team, please get in touch by completing the webform below.

Find out about future breaks

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Need more information?

Please fill in the form or call the SSAFA switchboard if you need to talk to someone directly.

0800 260 6780

We are open 09:00 - 17:00,
Monday to Friday.

Or talk to our Forcesline advisors online with our new live chat service.