Time to get away from it all

International Christian charity, Mothers’ Union (MU), has a membership of 4 million women and men who strengthen and support family life. Through prayers, campaigning for social justice and practical action in 83 countries across the world, well over 500,000 people benefit from programmes run by MU volunteer members each year.

For over 50 years Mothers’ Union across Britain and Ireland have been providing Away From It All (AFIA) breaks for families who are going through stressful times. AFIA provides families with the space to create positive memories together, to build relationships and strengthen their family bonds. In this edition, Susan Gibbin, Fundraising and Communications Lead tells us about support for families through AFIA over the past year.

Susan writes:

In 2022 the Southwark MU supported a total of 84 people (38 adults and 46 children) at an average £650 for a fournight break. These families were provided with holidays at venues along the south coast; in bed and breakfast hotels and at holiday or caravan parks and at Butlins. Some of these trips were for a week, others for four nights and on one occasion 12 children and 12 adults from a local women’s refuge were able to enjoy a day trip to Butlins at Bognor Regis.

We have supported many who are experiencing bereavements as well as those with complex family problems and disabilities. Families don’t have to be a church member. Self-referrals or referrals on behalf of others are welcome too, with support from a member of the clergy, doctor, headteacher or social worker. These services are all made possible from the generous donations from members and friends.

If you would like to help fund our project or know someone who could benefit, please contact our AFIA representative: Sally Steele email: afia.southwarkmu@gmail.com