FAB Family Activity Breaks for Bereaved Military Families

Posted on 22. Aug, 2011 by Kevin in News

WHAT IS FAB ?     

Families’ Activity Breaks (FAB) is a non-public funded, tri Service initiative in partnership with YHA (England & Wales) Ltd., providing fun and challenging activity holidays around the UK for bereaved Military families.

Families’ Activity Breaks
If your child is aged up to 19 years old and has suffered the loss of a loved one who was serving in the Armed Forces, then you may be eligible for a FAB holiday. The holidays offer an adventure for all the family and a welcome break to meet and socialise with others who have experienced a similar loss. A loved one can mean a parent, a step parent, or a child’s legal guardian, carer or sibling.

FAB was originally conceived in early 2008, and run as a highly successful pilot in the summer of 2009 where 24 families attended at two locations, Coverack in Cornwall and Whitby in North Yorkshire. In 2010 we increased this to 50 families and it is our intention to further increase this to 60 families throughout 2011.

FAB is staffed by volunteers from the Armed Forces and Defence civilians, helping as mentors, lending a helping hand or simply being someone to talk to. They are all trained by the Candle Project, a bereavement counselling service run by St Christopher’s Hospice, London, who specialise in supporting children and young adults facing bereavement.

Where are the Camps?

Whitby, North Yorkshire

Right on the headland, 199 steps up from the cobbled quayside and smack next door to the famous ruined Abbey sits Abbey House. YHA’s new home in Whitby. The views of the Esk Valley and surrounding coastline are to die for, as is the brand new, fully-refurbished accommodation. Relax in the historic gardens or spend a day on one of the nearby sandy beaches. Explore the nearby moors on foot or bike before sitting down to fine food in our restaurant. This is a Centre offering a real multi-activity break including paintballing, canoeing, shelter building, tree climb, orienteering, low rope activities and horse riding.

Coverack, Cornwall

Situated on the Lizard Peninsula, this hostel is ideally situated for families of all ages that love a holiday by the sea. YHA Coverack is ideally placed to explore the Southwest Coastal Path with its panoramic views of dramatic cliffs and deserted coves, and the pretty seaside village with its lovely sandy bay is just a few minutes walk down the hill. This hostel, a Victorian country house, was fully refurbished in 2008. It provides excellent 4 star accommodation in 9 bedrooms, 6 of which have double beds, 5 are en-suite with spectacular sea views. There are spacious grounds for children to play games and an extended camping area in the orchard. The multi-activity programme includes horse riding, archery, canoeing, abseiling and zip wire, raft building, orienteering, beach sports and coasteering.

If you would like more details on how you can participate be it a family or a volunteer to help these wonderful people who go the extra yard to make a holiday with a difference please click on the FAB link below.

Please feel free to add your experience if you have attended one of these camps as all feedback is appreciated.