Holiday and respite grants

Overview

This guide provides general information on various grants available to help fund a holiday or respite break. It includes a range of Scottish and UK based trust funds. Some of them require applications to be made by a third party, such as a social worker or health professional.

All grants are discretionary and subject to available funding. Eligibility criteria may change so please contact any fund that you are interested in before applying, where possible. It can take a long time for decisions to be made and it is important that you do not book your holiday until you have secured funding.

Grants and Trust Funds

Take a Break

Summary:

Take a Break provide grants to families living in Scotland. A Take a Break grant can be used towards a break, outing or sport activity, or other activity in the UK or overseas. Funding may also be used to purchase equipment required for a break such as bikes or camping equipment.

Applications:

Applications are accepted from people caring for a disabled child or young person aged 0-20, or directly from disabled young people. Applications must have permanent legal residency in the UK and have lived in Scotland for 6 months. Application form is downloadable from the website.

Contact:

Tel: 01904571093
Email: info@takeabreakscotland.org.uk

The Adamson Trust

Summary:

Provides financial assistance for holidays/respite care for young disabled people aged seventeen and under with either a physical, mental or emotional disability. Funding cannot be given towards the cost of accompanying adults.

Applications:

Individual families can apply, as well as groups and organisations. Applications are considered all year round, however they only meet four times a year, see website for specific dates. Application forms can be downloaded from the website.

Contact:

Contact via the webform on their website. Or Contact:
The Administrator, The Adamson Trust, PO BOX 7227, Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH16 9AL

The Disability Aid Trust

Summary:

Provide financial assistance for individuals or groups of people with a physical disability who are planning to take a holiday but who cannot afford to pay the expenses of essential helpers.

Applications:

To qualify applications must be supported by a ‘bona fide’ organisation, doctor or social worker, willing to verify that the applicant meets the scheme’s requirements. Applications are reviewed and funds allocated twice a year. Application form is downloadable from the website.

Contact:

Tel:0800 028 0647
Email: secretary@disabilityaidtrust.org.uk

Family Holiday Charity

Summary:

Provides grants to enable families to go on holiday. Includes funding for one week holidays/short breaks or day trips for families with at least one child of three or over, who couldn’t otherwise afford a holiday. Families must not have had a holiday for 4 years. Families with a disabled or seriously ill child should apply to the Family Fund before making an application to the Family Holiday Charity

Applications:

The charity only accepts applications from referring agents. Application forms must be completed online and are available to download from the 1st of November onwards for holidays the following year.

Contact:

Tel: 0203 117 0650
Email: hello@familyholidaycharity.org.uk  
Website: https://familyholidaycharity.org.uk/

The Family Fund

Summary:

Supports families caring for severely disabled children with grants for family breaks and other essential items such as white goods, clothing, computers and sensory toys. Holiday awards include breaks with Haven or Butlins.

Applications:

Applications for a Family Fund grant can be made by the parent or carer of the disabled child or young person. Young people aged 16 and 17 can make an application in their own right. Applications form is downloadable from the website.

Contact:

Tel: 01904 550055
Email: info@familyfund.org.uk or use web contact form.

Mary MacArthur Holiday Trust

Summary:

Provide holidays for women in need of a holiday who are unable to afford one. The Trust aims to provide a break needed at a crucial time. The maximum available for any holiday is normally £350.00.

Applications:

Must be supported by a sponsoring body or person. Grants are limited to women, aged 18 years or older. Applications must not have had a holiday in recent years. Preference is given to women who are, or have been normally in employment.

Contact:

Tel: 02920 359 091
Email: cheryl.andrews@mmht.org.uk

Short breaks for carers

Ogilvie Charities Holidays and Respite Fund for Carers

Summary:

Grants are made to support respite holidays for carers. The primary aim is to give a complete break to a carer while the person cared for is receiving respite care. In exceptional circumstances the Trust may assist where the carer and cared for wish to holiday together. Typical grants range from £200 to £300.

Applications:

Applications must be made through a social worker, community nurse or similar professional agency.

Contact:

Tel: 01394 388 746
Email: info@ogilviecharities.org.uk

Carer Centres

Funding is often available to help carers take a break from their caring role. Carers should seek advice on grants from their local carers centre. You can search for your local carers centre at the Carers Trust.

Free holidays/breaks

Respitality Scotland

Summary:

Respitality (respite breaks + hospitality) is a project which seeks to make connections between local organisations that support unpaid carers and local hospitality providers, such as hotels, guest houses, leisure clubs etc. The idea is that local businesses and organisations are able to make a ‘gift’ to a carer (plus companion). Examples could include a short break away, gift of a day-pass to a leisure club or spa, or a voucher to dinner for two- there are lots of possibilities.

Contact:

Tel: 01383 622 462

Further information and useful contacts

The Disability Information Scotland helpline can help you find further information- contact us

Disability Information Scotland can also provide information on accessible holiday destinations, hiring equipment when travelling, travel insurance, tour operators and accessible tourist attractions.

You can search for Grants and Trusts and TURN2US 

Shared Care Scotland is a national charity that works to improve the quality, choice and availability of short beaks (respite care) provision across Scotland.
Tel: 01383 622 462
Email: office@sharedcarescotland.com

Information last updated on 15 March 2024. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.

If you would like this information guide in another version then please contact us and we will post or email you a copy.

Holidays & Leisure, Money, Benefits & Grants:Frequently Asked Questions

Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:

Can I get a reduction of Vehicle Excise Duty?

Am I entitled to benefits?

What help is there with energy costs?

Am I eligible for VAT relief on disability equipment?

I am going on holiday, how do I hire a mobility scooter or wheelchair?

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