Carers, people suffering from physical and learning disabilities, families on low incomes and tenants recovering from domestic abuse are among the vulnerable groups being helped by the Caravan Project.

Tenants can book a week’s caravan break for a family of six in Ayr for a subsidised price of £200. The standard rate at the site is £500.

GHA’s North West Area Committee – which is led by tenants – provided £25,000 funding to help 150 tenants get much-needed respite.

GHA tenant Mary McGarrigle, 67, from Drumchapel booked a break following the death of her husband. She was joined by her daughter who was recovering from back surgery.

Mary said: “It had been years and years since my last holiday. It made a big difference. It was fabulous. We went swimming and for walks into town. You really benefit from it.

“We’d never have been able to afford it before. Now I’d love to go again. It’s a great opportunity to get away for people who don’t have much. I’d definitely tell others to book up.”

GHA North West Area Committee chair Kate Willis said: “There are many carers among our tenants who struggle day in, day out to look after a disabled family member and who need a short break away from the stresses and strains of home life.

“There are others who face real challenges who may never be able to afford a short break. This project can make a huge difference to family life.”

The Caravan Project, which has been running for 30 years, won the Celebrating Communities prize at the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations’ 2014 Scottish Charity Awards.

GHA’s North East Area Committee is supporting a similar project – the Glasgow North East Family Holiday Co-operative – with £6,000 funding to help 60 families in need go on holiday.

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