The charity – which provides trips and short UK holidays to families struggling with some of the toughest challenges life can bring – is planning to restart from 28 May, which coincidentally falls on its 46th birthday.

The organisation offers respite to families dealing with problems such as severe and sudden illness, bereavement, mental health issues, disability and domestic violence.

The FHA said that while 390 families had been waiting for a break since last year, the health, wellbeing and economic impacts of the pandemic meant many more would now meet the eligibility criteria for a break.

To meet that increased demand, the organisation is planning to offer a targeted referrals campaigns throughout the year, after first meeting its commitment to families due to travel in the past 12 months. 

With the pandemic hitting charity fundraising activity, the FHA said “caution” was required over how it planned its breaks to help ensure it could best support families and meet demand.

The charity depends on voluntary donations and is asking the travel sector to consider making it an official partner for fundraising. 

Chief executive Kat Lee said the FHA was "delighted" to be once again offering its breaks and stressed the importance of the service it provides.

“As well as making memories, breaks give resilience, confidence and in some cases even improve school attendance,” she said.

An office for National Statistics study showed that during the pandemic, household spending had been affected differently across different social groups – with parents less able to afford a holiday or an unexpected-but-necessary expense than those without children.

To find out more about the FHA, contact info@fhaonline.org.uk