family holiday

Away From It All in Coventry Diocese

What is AFIA?

AFIA stands for Away From It All and it is a holiday scheme organised and funded by the Mothers Union as a practical and important way to help support family life.

Who can apply?

Any family under emotional and/or financial stress can apply for a break somewhere in the UK. Families can mean any type of family or just one individual who needs a break from the pressure of their current circumstances, but would otherwise be unable to have one. Families do not have to be members of any church or church organisation.

How can you apply for a holiday?

Applicants must be referred for a holiday by a Mothers' Union member, a member of the clergy, a parish worker or any responsible person in the community such as a health visitor, social worker or doctor, so applicants should discuss the idea of applying with the person who is willing to support the application first.

What sort of holiday?

That depends on what sort of applicant. Coventry has organised holidays at holiday camps, in a caravan, and days out. They can be self catering, B&B or full board. AFIA will try to arrange other types of accommodation for whatever suits the needs of the applicant.

piggy bank

What will it cost?

That depends on the circumstances of the applicant. The Mothers Union can contribute to and in some cases pay all of the cost. Applicants may be asked to pay a small deposit.

AFIA want the holiday to be as enjoyable as possible, and to provide a time when people can relax and have fun away from it all.

In 2009 90 individuals enjoyed a break with AFIA. Some went on day trips to a farm park, to Skegness, and others went on short breaks to Butlins. We funded the train fares for some people who needed to be reunited with their families.

AFIA receives its funds from the MU branches, parishes and individual donations, and money is raised from events such as coffee mornings, Mary Sumner lunches, special birthdays when people donate instead of buying a present for the birthday person, funeral collections and recently, from a fund raising dinner with a guest speaker from local radio.

Contact:

Gill Guilford c/o Mothers Union
1 Hill Top
Coventry
CV1 5AB

Tel: 07534 425 726

Email mu.covafia@hotmail.com