Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The Trefoil Lilias Finlay Holiday Fund provides financial support for children and families in Scotland who meet specific development needs criteria and need assistance accessing a UK-based holiday. The fund aims to improve wellbeing, development, and quality of life by helping children access recreational experiences that may otherwise be unavailable.
Eligible applicants must be under 18 years old and provide professional evidence demonstrating need through health, education, or social care documentation.
What Is the Trefoil Lilias Finlay Holiday Fund?
The Trefoil Lilias Finlay Holiday Fund is a grant programme designed to help children and families in Scotland access holidays within the United Kingdom.
The fund supports children who face developmental challenges or additional needs and may not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy a holiday experience.
The programme focuses on:
- Child wellbeing
- Development opportunities
- Family experiences
- Recreational access
- Reducing barriers caused by additional needs
Purpose of the Fund
The main purpose of the fund is to provide children with meaningful holiday opportunities that support their wellbeing and development.
The programme aims to:
- Improve access to recreational activities
- Support children with additional development needs
- Provide positive experiences outside daily routines
- Help families create valuable memories together
The fund recognises that holidays can contribute to confidence, happiness, and personal development.
Key Focus Areas
The programme supports children who meet specific development needs criteria.
Supporting Children Under 18
The fund is intended for children and young people who are:
- Under 18 years old
- Living in Scotland
- Demonstrating a recognised development need
The child must meet eligibility requirements when the grant is confirmed.
UK Holiday Access
Funding is specifically intended to support holidays within the United Kingdom.
Eligible holidays must:
- Take place within the UK
- Be recreational in nature
- Provide a meaningful benefit to the child
Overseas holidays are not eligible for support.
Wellbeing and Development Opportunities
The fund supports experiences that contribute to:
- Emotional wellbeing
- Social development
- Family connection
- Positive life experiences
The holiday should provide value beyond simple travel.
Who Can Apply?
The fund supports individuals or small groups that meet the required criteria.
Applicants must:
- Be under 18 years old at the time of grant confirmation
- Meet the development needs criteria
- Have professional evidence supporting their application
- Be seeking support for a UK-based holiday
Applications are assessed through documented evidence and professional referrals.
Evidence Requirements
Applicants must provide supporting evidence showing the child’s needs.
Required evidence includes documentation from at least two professional sources.
Evidence must:
- Be dated within the last 12 months
- Clearly explain the child’s needs
- Come from recognised professionals
Acceptable Supporting Documents
Examples of accepted evidence include:
- Medical letters from general practitioners
- Hospital appointment letters
- Medical referral documents
- Disability payment award letters
- DWP assessment reports
- Letters from teachers
- Reports from nurses
- Social worker documentation
- Support worker statements
The evidence should demonstrate why holiday support is needed.
Holiday Booking Requirements
Applicants must provide holiday details when applying.
Required information includes either:
- A completed holiday booking form, or
- A booking enquiry with details of:
- Holiday dates
- Destination
- Number of people attending
Applicants should provide enough information for the fund to assess the request.
Repeat Applications
Previous applicants may apply again, but restrictions apply.
Repeat applications must:
- Be submitted at least 12 months after the previous application
- Follow current eligibility requirements
Applicants who receive funding in consecutive years may need to wait three years before being considered again.
How the Fund Works
The application process involves several steps.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Applicants should confirm that:
- The child is under 18
- The child meets development needs criteria
- The holiday is within the UK
Step 2: Gather Supporting Evidence
Applicants collect professional documentation from relevant sources.
Evidence should explain:
- The child’s needs
- Current circumstances
- Why the holiday would be beneficial
Step 3: Prepare Holiday Information
Applicants provide:
- Booking details
- Travel information
- Participant numbers
Step 4: Submit Application
The application is reviewed based on:
- Eligibility
- Evidence provided
- Development benefit
- Holiday suitability
Benefits of the Fund
The programme helps families by providing:
- Financial assistance for holidays
- Improved access to recreation
- Opportunities for relaxation and development
- Support for children with additional needs
It helps create positive experiences that may otherwise be difficult to access.
Why the Fund Matters
Children with additional needs may face barriers that limit access to recreational activities.
The fund helps address these challenges by:
- Supporting inclusion
- Promoting wellbeing
- Encouraging family participation
- Providing equal access to holiday experiences
It recognises the importance of positive experiences in childhood development.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying for holidays outside the UK
- Submitting outdated professional evidence
- Providing incomplete booking information
- Failing to demonstrate development needs
- Applying too soon after receiving previous funding
Strong applications should include:
- Clear evidence
- Relevant professional support
- Complete holiday details
- A clear explanation of benefit to the child
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can receive support from the Lilias Finlay Holiday Fund?
Children under 18 in Scotland who meet the development needs criteria may be eligible.
2. Can the grant be used for overseas holidays?
No. The fund only supports holidays within the United Kingdom.
3. How much funding does the programme provide?
The available grant amount depends on the approved application and assessed need.
4. What evidence is required?
Applicants must provide evidence from at least two professional sources dated within the last 12 months.
5. Can families apply more than once?
Yes, repeat applications are allowed, but they must be at least 12 months apart.
6. Who can provide supporting evidence?
Evidence may come from doctors, teachers, nurses, social workers, support workers, and other relevant professionals.
7. What holiday details are needed?
Applicants must provide a booking form or enquiry including dates, destination, and number of participants.
Conclusion
The Trefoil Lilias Finlay Holiday Fund helps children in Scotland with development needs access valuable UK-based holiday experiences.
By supporting recreation, wellbeing, and family opportunities, the fund helps children overcome barriers and enjoy experiences that contribute to their growth and quality of life.
For more information, visit Trefoil.