While many of us might be looking forward to a much-needed break over the summer, for the families Julia’s House supports, a break away from home is far from every day, it’s a huge challenge. Whether it’s the complication of having to work out how to get to wherever they’re going with often bulky medical equipment, planning months ahead to organise prescriptions and medication, finding somewhere that has the space and facilities they need or just being able to afford a holiday as many parents have to give up work to look after their seriously ill child – it can feel impossible. This is where Julia’s House and some amazing supporters have been able to help.
Thanks to Lead Forensics, an IP database company, who have a caravan at Hoburne Bashley Holiday Park in the New Forest and lend it out to different charities over the year, and IDILIQ Hotels and Resorts who have been offering us holidays for families since 2024 in Scotland, Cornwall and the Cricklade Hotel and Spa in Wiltshire as well as unique shepherd’s huts and yurts, we’ve been able to help families have a much needed get away. Twenty-five families took breaks at Hoburne Bashely in 2025 and we’ve got 20 families booked in for this year. Eight families took holidays at the IDILIQ properties in 2024/25. For many families, it’s often their very first holiday together!
“It’s just such a wonderful gift and experience that we are able to provide for families,” shares Julia’s House Family Support Worker, Emma, about the caravan in Hoburne Bashley. “For some families it’s the first holiday the children have ever had, the first chance they’ve had to go swimming. We’ve been able to book for honeymoons and birthdays even Christmas and ensure it’s decorated when the family arrives, so it all feels super special.