During its 40th anniversary year, the FHA helped 5,184 struggling families with a day trip or short break, a 38% year-on-year increase.

More than 11,000 children and almost 8,000 adults benefited from a few nights at the British seaside or a day trip. Just under half had a family break together for the very first time, with a third of children enjoying their first ever visit to a beach. Families are referred to the FHA via schools, social services or a charity such as Shelter or Barnardo’s.

FHA research found that virtually all families (99%) reported reduced worries and stress levels after their break, and 94% of parents felt better able to cope. “These results are an important and tangible indication of the importance of breaks away from home,” said John Kinnear, the charity’s programme manager.

Charity director John McDonald added: “We approached our 40th anniversary aiming to generate enough income and goodwill to help 4,000 struggling families, so we’ve exceeded our target by a long way. And it’s important to remember that for the families we help, these breaks really are a lifeline, not a luxury.

"The travel and tourism industry has always been central to our charity’s activities, and the extent to which supporters embraced both our 40th anniversary and 500 for 500 campaigns – the latter generating £250,000 – was incredible. I’m hugely proud of that support and what it has achieved.”

Latest figures from the Office of National Statistics show that 30% of people in Britain are unable to afford a week’s annual break, while 1.46 million families cannot afford a day out together.