Partner Spotlight: Glasgow Children’s Holiday Scheme

Glasgow Children’s Holiday Scheme (GCHS) is a charity which provides holidays and short breaks for children, families and carers who otherwise would not have access due to disadvantages by reason of poverty, deprivation, ill-health, disability or other adverse circumstances. GCHS operates 5 caravans at Wemyss Bay Holiday Park for use by its beneficiaries.

As part of its operations GCHS provides an adapted caravan in Wemyss Bay for children with additional support needs to go on holiday.  

 Since 2022, Trefoil and GCHS have been in partnership, with Trefoil considering funding applications on a rolling basis with a view of furthering its own aims and supporting GCHS with its. So far Trefoil has awarded £15,737 to GCHS’ adapted caravan

The partnership has brought about significant impact for children with additional support needs and their families. In 2024 alone there were 26 families, 58 adults and 59 kids who used the adapted caravan. More widely in 2024, GCHS achieved the following:

-       Providing 240 families, 445 children and young people and 399 adults to get a break. This includes over 100 children with a disability.

-       Enabling over 40 families to get a day out.

-       Supporting 5 youth organisations to have activity breaks for around 42 young people.

-       Ensuring 20 group days out for over 350 young people.

-       Supporting 85 families and 203 young people through the Christmas Gift Scheme 2024.

Those who have stayed in the caravan said:

“This is a once in a million opportunity and we are grateful to GCHS [and its] amazing staff. Beautiful memories made and will remain with us forever”

“Fabulous caravan. Welcome basket a lovely surprise. My boys and me had a lovely break. It was so needed.”

Trefoil has been delighted to hear about the dedication of GCHS in ensuring the requirements of children with additional support are met

“It means a lot to us as it was first ever holidays for my 2 kids. If I may say that it was opportunity for me to sleep on bed as for few years I'm sleeping on sofa. We've been impressed with adaptations for wheelchair users.  Again, thank you so much and for your work to help many families in similar situation as us”

You can find out more about GCHS here or by contacting admin@glasgowchildrensholidayscheme.org.uk.