Peterborough charity’s urgent plea to save holiday caravans used by families with disabled children

Family Voice Peterborough has caravans at Butlins Skegness and Haven Caister which were used by 350 people last year to provide much needed respite.

But the city charity, which works to improve services in the lives of children and young people with disabilities or additional needs, has warned that it will be forced to close the two caravans for good unless donations come in.

Normally, the charity lets the caravans out when they are not being used by local families, but without that funding coming in due to the pandemic the much needed resource could soon disappear.

Family Voice Peterborough has created a fundraising page, where it states: “During Covid-19, our caravans stood empty. They usually provide desperately needed breaks for local SEND families. They are needed now, more than ever. Just £10 from you can bring a smile back, in these increasingly uncertain times.

“It can be incredibly isolating being a parent who has a child or a young person with a disability, and recent studies have shown it can cost over £500 a month more than raising a typical child. At Family Voice Peterborough we aim to reduce that isolation and help families to enjoy normal activities. As a part of that, we offer reduced price holidays at one of our caravans, at either Butlins Skegness or Haven Caister. Last year alone 350 individuals have enjoyed a short break with us.

“Usually our holiday lets cover all the expenses for these caravans, but due to Covid-19, we haven’t been able to get the much needed funds. Know that without your help we will have to close them both for good. Nobody wants that to happen. Could you spare £10 to help keep this vital local service running?”

To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/FVPsaveourcaravans.