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Local organisations and charities which support young people and groups of families facing challenges, are being invited to apply for funding for an unforgettable two-night activity break in a youth hostel in 2025.

The long-standing Breaks Programme, which is operated by the 94-year-old charity YHA (England & Wales), is now open for applications.

In addition to part or fully-funded accommodation, full board catering is also provided as part of the two-night stay. The YHA Breaks Programme can also support with transport costs. Applications are open until Tuesday 10 December.

Each year the YHA Breaks Programme makes it possible for around a thousand young people living challenging lives to enjoy a small holiday in an amazing location and try out resilience-building activities like ghyll scrambling, canoeing and rock climbing.

2. Learning to climb in the Peak District is just one of the many activities on offer through a YHA Breaks-funded stay at a youth hostel

YHA is actively inviting applications to the Breaks Programme from groups of young carers, young people in the care system or care leavers, refugee and migrant groups, young people with health conditions and young people and families from deprived areas.

James Blake, Chief Executive YHA (England & Wales) explained: “Our youth hostel network provides us with fabulous accommodation in beautiful locations, through which we can help young people connect with nature and the outdoors, giving them a break away. For many of them, it is their first night away from home, their first time in nature, or their first time in a protected landscape.”

YHA has more than 130 youth hostels in England and Wales, including National Parks, National Landscapes, coastal areas and towns and cities. Accommodation includes historic buildings like YHA St Briavel’s Castle in Gloucestershire, the iconic YHA Boggle Hole on the North Yorkshire coast, and YHA The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall in beautiful Northumberland.

James added: “When YHA was established nearly 95 years ago, its charitable mission was to give young people an opportunity to spend time in fresh air and open countryside. Our Breaks Programme is the modern continuation of this mission. I hope local groups will apply to the fund and help us help even more young people.”

Youngsters can experience ghyll scrambling as part of a funded stay through the YHA Breaks programme

Charities, community groups and home education network groups based in England and Wales can apply for support to fund a break to a YHA hostel. Applications are invited for groups of young people (26 years and under) or groups of families.

To ensure the support gets to those with greatest need, YHA’s Breaks team works with the group leader of the trip to place a booking, ensuring that a residential break is suitable for the needs of the group.

To apply for YHA Breaks funding, or to find out more about the Breaks programme, visit https://www.yha.org.uk/support-programmes/yha-breaks-programme

Local groups supporting young people invited to apply for holiday funding