Glasgow Family Receive Respite Holiday Fund Grant

Did you know Forces Children Scotland has a specific fund which provides respite holiday break grants to serving, reservist and veteran families across Scotland?

The fund is available through the charity’s family support service, which has enabled the Coleman Family to spend quality time together with their daughter, Piper, who supports her mother as a young carer at times when her dad is deployed.

Having returned from their break recently, we caught up with Ann Coleman to find out her thoughts on the application process, what proved the highlights during their time away as well as her message to other armed forces and veteran families who could benefit in similar ways through the fund.

How did you find out about the fund and was the process easy to complete?

“I found out about the fund by reaching out directly to Forces Children Scotland to see if there was any support available for our daughter while her Dad was deployed.  The team could have not been more helpful and provided loads of information; even sign posting me to further support I hadn’t previously considered.

“Every step of the application was made simple, and I was met with kind words and personal communication – we immediately felt part of a family, and that our little girl was really cared about and even thanked personally for the role she plays as part of an Armed Forces family.”

What proved the highlights for all involved?

“We had a wonderful time making fab memories as a family; and I even got to sneak off for a wee hour to the spa-pool while Piper and her Dad took on the inflatables in the family splash area – a real treat for this tired Mum.

“As well as swimming, Piper went pony trekking through the awe-inspiring Scottish countryside and even met a beautiful, retired silver grey horse that shared her name.  She had fun in the massive family play-fort; went disco-dancing, drove a mini Land Rover, had fun with Mum and Dad trying to find their way out of a large hydro-maze, bounced on some massive garden pillows, played chess with pieces as big as her and even learned how to do some archery – she felt just like Princess Merida.

“We were treated so wonderfully as a family; ate loads of delicious food and enjoyed some mocktails and cocktails too. We explored the local town and Piper even saved some of her pocket money to buy a tiny sparkly robin for Grandma from the year-long-round Christmas shop!”

What would you say to other armed forces and veteran families who could benefit from the fund?

“I would encourage anyone who could benefit from the respite break fund to reach out. The support is wonderful; the team are incredible and the impact it has had on our family is immeasurable- we’ve made memories for life.”

“Thank you again for all your care, kind messages and incredible support; you and your team have helped Piper have a wonderful Summer; and helped us through a tough wee time while Piper’s Daddy was deployed.  We think you are wonderful.”

Are you from a serving, reservist or veteran family in Scotland and would like to know more about our Family Respite Fund?

Please contact familysupport@forceschildrenscotland.org.uk

Forces Children Scotland’s Family Support Services have received funding from the Veterans Foundation and The Scottish Veterans Fund.