Bringing families together for more than ten years: SSAFA Short Breaks applications open for 2026

16 January 2026

SSAFA’s Short Break scheme offers a safe and inclusive time away for serving – and reservist – families who have a child with an additional need or disability, whether these are physical, behavioural, emotional, mental health or a combination of the above.

Taking place in some of England's most beautiful countryside locations, the highly sort-after Short Breaks take place at Calvert Trust sites in the Lake District and on Exmoor, with applications now being accepted for each of the four fully catered getaways.

Families from all three services can take part in a range of inclusive adventurous activities such as canoeing, abseiling, archery, high ropes and rock climbing, which are carefully adapted around each family and their needs.

As demand for these free and much-needed breaks continues to grow year on year, a new two-stage application process has been introduced for 2026. SSAFA’s Short Breaks team will prioritise the greatest need, ensuring each family's situation is understood and support is offered fairly and where it can have the most impact. 

Short Breaks, which are supported by MBDA, Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land, Leonardo UK and The Army Central Fund, create “memories that last a lifetime” as said by a family who attended in 2025. 

Similar experiences have been shared, with another family sharing the impact on their child: “The Short Break gave them a chance to try new things like horse riding, abseiling, and crate stacking in a safe, supportive environment. We could see their confidence grow with each activity.”

These events do not just support the children, as one family shared that the Short Break “brought them back together as a family after a very difficult time and gave them some much-needed quality time.”

Ellen Chard, Additional Needs and Disability Advisor said: “Military families with children who have additional needs and disabilities, need support that must be flexible, respectful, and emotionally safe. This new two-step application process will enable us to understand what that looks like for applicants and their family and helps us determine if SSAFA’s Short Breaks can meet that need at this time, when considered in relation to other applications.

“Short breaks are always a highlight of my year, with each one bringing new awe for families and children as we watch them grow in confidence and see families come together.”

Caroline Crewe-Read, Director of the ACF, said: “We are very pleased to support SSAFA’s Short Breaks programme again this year. The ACF is committed to enhancing the wellbeing of serving Army personnel and their families, and this initiative makes a real difference to those with children who need bespoke activities and support. By providing opportunities for adventure and connection, we hope the programme helps Army families feel better equipped to meet the unique challenges of service life.”

Deadline for applications for families across each of the three services for the 2026 Short Breaks is Friday 30 January. The dates for this year's Short Breaks are as follows:

May 8–10, Calvert Lakes, Lake District
July 20–24, Calvert Lakes, Lake District
August 3–7, Calvert Devon, Exmoor
October 26–30, Calvert Devon, Exmoor

Find out more about the Short Breaks, and how to apply, on our Short Breaks web page.