Sheffield charity celebrates 40th anniversary year


2016 is set to be a very important year for one of Sheffield’s most inspirational charities, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in May.

Since 1976, Sheffield Family Holiday Fund (SFHF) has helped over 17,000 adults and children
in Sheffield who cannot afford to have a break. These breaks can be anything from a day out in the countryside to a week in a caravan at the seaside. The cost of sending a family of ours on holiday is between £400 and £500.

Families are referred through social services and the council’s children’s service and they are those that are struggling with the challenges in life, including issues of severe and sudden illness in the family, bereavement, disability, mental health and abuse.

SFHF is hosting a special anniversary event on 5th May at Firth Court at the University of Sheffield to thank everyone who has supported the charity over the past 40 years. Special guests, sponsors and supporters will be invited, including the Lord Mayor and some of the families who have benefited from these holidays over the years.

In its 40th year the Charity is aiming to send 1,000 local people on holiday and to secure 40 new corporate sponsors.

John Hopkins, Chair of SFHF, said: ”It is a proven fact that family breaks can help improve childrens’ learning and behaviour at school, also that families who holiday together are more likely to stay together. We are really excited to be celebrating our 40thanniversary  it’s a great opportunity to remember the value that a family holiday brings and the impact it can have on those who are most vulnerable in our society. I am proud to be involved with a charity that brings so much happiness to so many families in our area.”

SFHF is 100% funded by donations and is run by a board of trustees on a purely voluntary basis. It is administered by the national charity the Family Holiday Association. SFHF directly supports families who are referred to it by professionals in the local community, such as teachers, social workers, health visitors and other charities in Sheffield.

For more information visit the website www.familyholidayassociation.org.uk.

Call us on: 0114 349 5341