Urdd thanks supporters for securing summer holidays for 300 disadvantaged children

Wales’ largest youth organisation, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, extends its heartfelt appreciation to supporters for helping it secure a summer holiday for more than ever disadvantaged children and young people.

Thanks to the generosity of individuals, societies, businesses, and local councils who have contributed to the Urdd’s ‘Fund for All’, the youth organisation will now be able to welcome 300 youngsters living in poverty or under difficult circumstances to its summer camps this year, a significant increase from the 110 places offered in 2023.

Every summer since 2019 the ‘Fund for All’ scheme has sponsored hundreds of disadvantaged youngsters’ holidays at the Urdd’s residential centres. Following a surge in applications for funded summer holidays in 2023, the Urdd more than doubled its target for 2024.

Parents, guardians or schools can now apply for a funded holiday on behalf of a child by filling this form. Applications will close 19 April 2024.

The announcement has been welcomed by the parents of those who were able to enjoy a holiday last summer through the Urdd’s Fund for All scheme.

“Both of my daughters were lucky enough to enjoy a holiday last year thanks to the Urdd’s Fund for All scheme, and still talk about it now!” said one parent, Emily Bolwell from Newport. “The girls loved being able to use their Welsh outside of school and have kept in touch with their new friends.”

Siân Lewis, Urdd Chief Executive also expressed her gratitude, stating: “We are so grateful to each and every contributor for supporting our fund, and in doing so, helping us to extend the joy of summer holidays to more children than ever before, particularly those experiencing poverty or living in difficult circumstances. While a summer getaway may be taken for granted by some, it remains a distant dream for many children in Wales.

“The Urdd – and the Welsh language – belongs to all, and it’s our priority as an organisation to reach out and ensure that opportunities are available and offered to every child in Wales. Thanks to individuals, societies, businesses, and local councils alike, children from families living in poverty, those who are supported by social services, young carers and foster children will be able to experience and enjoy one of the Urdd’s Summer Camps this year.”

19 Camps will be held between Glan-llyn, Llangrannog, Pentre Ifan and Cardiff Residential Centres this summer. They include a performance course, wellbeing courses, bilingual camps as well as adventure camps and traditional summer camps for children and young people aged 8-25. A full list of dates and locations can be found here.