ACF supports children living with a disability

27 September 2023

SSAFA is grateful to the Army Central Fund (ACF) for its generous donation of £40,000 towards providing Short Breaks for service families who have a child with additional needs or a disability.

The adventure break gives families an opportunity to spend quality time together, try exciting new activities in a safe and secure environment, and to meet other families in similar situations.

Daily activities include horse riding, kayaking, biking, sailing, archery, abseiling, bush craft and low ropes, with everyone joining in and having fun together. Another highlight is that families get to meet each other and connect.

Fran Robinson, SSAFA Service Manager, Additional Needs and Disability said: “Many families who attend a break often comment that there aren't many organisations who facilitate all family members participating. Often it is specifically for the child with the additional need or disability or specifically for a sibling, not both, and parents too. Our breaks give families the opportunity to enjoy participating in activities together, challenging themselves and achieving together.”

In 2023 SSAFA has organised five Short Breaks, ensuring that more than 60 families benefit throughout the year. The £40,000 funding from the ACF will fund one Short Break, giving around 15 families the chance to make time for each other, enjoy adventures and create memories together. This funding signifies the ACF’s continued support and commitment to making the lives of Army families better.

One Army parent, who brought their family on the most recent Short Break, said: “This has been our first ever family holiday together. We would not have been able to afford this without SSAFA. We feel much more connected as a family and to be able to truly relax whilst doing all the different activities. This week has made memories to last a lifetime. Both children have enjoyed spending time together as a family. Three days of activities was just the right amount, and there was plenty of downtime as well.”