Breaks4Kids
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
What is it? It is a fund that provides bursaries to financially disadvantaged members of organised groups of young people staying in Youth Hostel Association (YHA) accommodation.
How much is on offer? The fund has been operating for a number of years and was previously known as Give Us a Break. Historically, it was always oversubscribed until last year, when YHA decided that £3 from every membership fee should go towards the fund. Reserves have built up and there is now around £1m available to be given away.
What will it fund? Money from the fund is used to pay for half of the cost of accommodation and food in YHA youth hostels for groups of young people who are financially disadvantaged. The YHA says the fund ties in with its charitable objective to help young people of limited means to gain a greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside as well as an appreciation of the cultural values of towns and cities.
Who has it funded? Breaks4Kids assistance has been granted to hundreds of groups about to embark on organised residential trips with YHA. The overwhelming majority of groups who apply for grant funding are school groups but the YHA also gets applications from religious groups, youth clubs, youth offending teams and others.
Who can apply? Grants are available to all members of a group aged under 18 who are eligible for free school meals or whose parents are in receipt of Housing Benefit or Income Support.
How to apply: Groups are advised to make a provisional booking, calculate the costs for the trip and then apply to Breaks4Kids for assistance. Further details about how to apply can be found on the website: www.breaks4kids.co.uk.
