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.

I would say the experience was life-changing for us – it was a hundred times better than a normal holiday and being around other families who are in a similar situation was much more relaxing.

- Natalie, Army spouse


Due to a high intake of applications already received we have now closed the 2022 Short Break application process.

We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused. 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.


Short Breaks 2022:

Lake District Family Break
May 6th – 9th
Calvert Trust, Lake District

Lake District Family Break - Sponsored by Annington
August 15th – 19th
Calvert Trust, Lake District

Exmoor Family Break
October 24th – 28th
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.

Find out about future breaks

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Need more information?

Please fill in the form or call us to speak to our Additional Needs and Disability Advisor.

020 7463 9315

We are open 09:00 - 17:30,
Monday to Friday.

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

Meet the Hansom Family

Normally the Hansom Family are required to split family time between the differing needs of their children, one of whom has Autistic Spectrum Disorder.  Rarely are they able to bond together as a single unit, particularly when on holiday when trying to ensure all of their children are having fun - and advanced activities like canoeing or bike riding were considered unthinkable.  That was until they went on holiday with SSAFA.

Read more