Happy Days Childrens Charity

Happy Days Children's Charity, founded in 1992, is a UK-wide organisation dedicated to delivering vital respite, joyful holidays, and enriching leisure activities for children and young people aged 3-17 facing disabilities, acute/chronic/life-limiting illnesses, special educational needs, mental health challenges, abuse, bereavement, domestic violence, or young carer responsibilities. Its mission centres on breaking down barriers to participation, fostering confidence, social skills, and wellbeing through memorable experiences that combat isolation and promote personal development. Core values of inclusivity, dignity, and child-centred support underpin a low-bureaucracy approach, prioritising direct, tangible joy for vulnerable youth and their families.

The charity funds specific activities like day trips to theatres, zoos, seaside, or theme parks; group holidays at outdoor centres, camps, or sailing breaks; UK family short breaks; and theatre workshops for SEN schools. It targets grassroots charities, SEN schools, young carers' groups, women's refuges, and low-income families serving disadvantaged children, with a strong emphasis on trauma-affected, disabled, or ill youth.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, community groups, and academic institutions (e.g., schools) based anywhere in the UK, with no strict income limits but a preference for smaller entities demonstrating need, safeguarding (DBS checks, child protection policies), and low household income for families. Typical grants range from £500 to £5,000 for direct participation costs like tickets and transport.

Applications are unsolicited and rolling via email/post using website forms (for day trips, group holidays, or family breaks), with decisions in weeks to months—apply early. Post-activity feedback is required. Exclusions cover core costs, capital projects, non-essential adults, or unrelated activities. Distinctively, its exclusive focus on therapeutic leisure as resilience-building sets it apart, openly supporting both organisations and families nationally with proven impact across all UK nations.