The summer holidays will see tens of thousands of parents caring for disabled or seriously ill children at breaking point, says research by national charity Family Fund.

Family Fund warns that a lack of suitable childcare and activities, no caring breaks or family holiday in sight, and rising costs and high levels of debt cause intense pressure at home.

The charity, which supports families on low incomes raising disabled and seriously ill children, made 131 life-changing grants to families on low incomes last year (2024-25 financial year) in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

Families face a struggle to find accessible events and days out and affordable options for the whole family to have fun and often face discrimination when they leave the house.

Family Fund’s ‘A Summer for Everyone’ campaign highlights inclusive activities on offer throughout the UK and aims to raise better public awareness of the needs of families raising disabled and seriously ill children, so that everyone can enjoy summer when out and about.

74 per cent of families say a break away is simply unaffordable, 41 per cent can’t access the childcare they need , 37 per cent can’t get enough respite care, and one in four disabled children go the whole summer without basic play equipment like a bike or tablet.

‘A Summer for Everyone’ also asks the public to help ease that burden. Donations will help fund grants that provide families with vital items and experiences—like outdoor play equipment, sensory toys, a day at an accessible attraction, or support to attend creative workshops. They can also help families cover essentials throughout the year, find moments of joy, and feel less alone in a world that too often overlooks them.

Donations can be made under the ‘Get involved’ heading on www.familyfund.org.uk .

To help make it ‘A summer for everyone’, be kind and offer encouragement. Family Fund advises:

“Be tolerant. Show understanding if children behave differently- like finding it difficult to follow instructions or take turns. Some may make noises or not speak, or need to move around a lot more. Children may behave in a way that seems younger than their age.

“Remember many disabilities are hidden. You often can’t ‘see’ if a child has a syndrome or a condition like autism. Many families will wear the sunflower lanyard which represents hidden disabilities.”

Family Fund’s online Discover Digital summer festival is back from Tuesday, July 29 to Thursday, August 14, keeping families entertained with fun-filled, creative workshops. From learning the basics of coding, to designing comic strips, doodling mindful drawings or even creating music – they’ve got something for every family. Every session is tailored for disabled or seriously ill children and young people of all ages and abilities.

An internet connection, and two devices are needed: one to create on; the other to view the workshop via Zoom.

Families can sign up for as many workshops as they like and bring siblings. Visit www.familyfund.org.uk and look under ‘Wider support’.