Each year we provide over 1,600 breaks for children aged 7 -11. The children are living in severe poverty - have witnessed or experienced emotional, physical, sexual abuse or neglect - live in inadequate housing, where their natural play areas are surrounded by violence, crime or drugs - are young carers or have suffered a bereavement. The children participate in activities at both an educational and fun level, specifically designed to build self esteem and confidence.

The children benefit from improved physical, mental and emotional well-being. For many of the children these benefits will also last well into their lives as we know from research that a break can have a lasting impact on a child's life; providing relief from stress and the ability to face the future more positively. Parents/carers and siblings will also benefit indirectly.

We aim to alleviate some of the pressures disadvantaged children will be facing which may impact negatively on their lives and educational achievement. The main aims of our work are: To enjoy discovering and experiencing new activities and environments, Leave a break feeling proud of what they've achieved, Improve their ability to build relationships and make friends and 'Be a child' and leave greater responsibilities behind for a few days.