Holidays Are Fun annual report 2024 to 2025

Harbour works with families and individuals who are affected by abuse from a partner, former partner, or other family member. Families sometimes arrive at refuges with only the clothes they are wearing; frightened and uncertain they have done the right thing. They can stay with us whilst they take time to think and make changes to the way they want to live. At Harbour, the funding from HAF is so valuable as it has allowed us to provide lots of positive and new opportunities for our families and ultimately bring fun and enjoyment back into people's lives at a time when it is needed most. As an organisation we are so grateful to have the opportunity to receive this additional funding as it has made such a difference to so many families we have supported.

The theme we followed through enriching activities was friendship. This allowed us to explore healthy relationships, kindness, and the essential skills needed to navigate social interactions. For families and children who have experienced domestic abuse, understanding the dynamics of healthy relationships is crucial and we explored healthy boundaries, effective communication, empathy and the importance of kindness. These skills are fundamental tools required for social interaction and provided opportunities for genuine friendships to blossom and learning skills such as trust. This has contributed to a stronger sense of community within the refuge.

As well as our enriching creative activities, we have also promoted physical activity and skills. The simplest, most effective way of encouraging this is through increasing physical activity on organised walks to the local park and going on a nature trail. These walks have not only introduced families to their new community but have also naturally increased daily steps and overall exercise levels. We even found a huge field where we took footballs and cones and spent a few hours playing. We've also created an environment within refuge where sports are readily available and accessible to everyone. From mini sports games such as sticker tag filled with friendly competition to treasure hunts, we've provided a diverse range of activities to cater to different interests and abilities. The infectious energy of "Just Dance" has proven to be a particular favourite, getting everyone moving and laughing. Another favourite has been the exercise dice where we have created variations of exercise games and different exercise challenges. Through doing this, we have shown families how easy it can be to motivate and encourage children to move around and develop new skills.

At the beginning of the week our families were provided with a healthy grocery hamper which included the recipe and ingredients for two wholesome meals: a pasta dish and a classic chicken dinner. Understanding that dietary needs vary, families were provided with alternatives for families with allergies or those who couldn't eat chicken. The hampers were also packed with healthy snacks, a variety of breads and wraps, nutritious yoghurts, and a selection of fresh fruit. The response from families has been overwhelmingly positive. On Monday, upon receiving the hampers, parents expressed their gratitude and shared how helpful the grocery support would be in alleviating the financial strain often associated with school holidays. One mother shared that she had never cooked a roast lunch before but expressed her eagerness to try something new and provide her family with a homemade roast, something she previously felt was beyond her capabilities.

As well as the grocery, each day the families were provided with a main meal, dessert and healthy snacks. The families enjoyed the hands-on approach of cooking the meals allowing the families to make their own healthy choices as well as gaining the skills and confidence to do so. One of the favourite meals among the families has been homemade pizzas and jacket potatoes. The teens have even gotten in on the fun, with some pretending to be "Spud Man from Tik Tok" while preparing the jacket potatoes. This level of engagement and excitement around cooking has been a joy to watch and we feel the sessions have been a great way to educate families on the importance of a balanced diet and the role it plays in overall health and wellbeing. It has also allowed families to connect through everyone working together to prepare the meal and sitting together, the families have reported feeling closer than ever before. The sessions have become a cherished time for families to connect and create memories that will last a lifetime.