“We had the best time staying at the cottage and exploring all the local beaches, restaurants and lovely places in the area. The host was so kind and generous in so many ways. She sent me lots of information and an app to download which was very helpful. The cottage had all you could wish for and more. I would like to thank you for putting me in touch with A Bit of a Break – it was so relaxing, just what the family needed to be together and make special memories.”
Guest referred in 2023
We partner with healthcare professionals and property owners to gift a short break to people with a palliative diagnosis – no matter their financial circumstances. We’re talking about a few nights away just a couple of hours from home. This short break – whether it’s spent quietly reading while enjoying a view of the sea or making the most of the activities on offer at a holiday park with the children – is a chance to escape treatment plans, hospitals and the mental and emotional weight that comes with a palliative diagnosis.
When a guest is referred to us, we take care to get to know them because we want to find them a break that matches their needs and circumstances as closely as possible.
Our referrers are spread across the M62 corridor, and the holiday homes on our books span the east Yorkshire and Northumberland coast, Yorkshire Dales, Lake District and across to Blackpool, North Wales and the Peak District.
Our property owners generously gift the break – usually a few nights but occasionally a little longer – in their holiday property for free. We make a donation to cover their overheads: the cost of cleaning, laundry and heating.
“It’s hard to believe that something like this could actually happen when everything seems so bleak. We would never have been able to spend a holiday with our family if this hadn’t happened.”
A guest referred by Dr Kate Eldred, Bingley Medical Practice
“The opportunity to be away from everything, in total peace, in a beautiful property in a stunning location has been a godsend. The fact that it was gifted, completely free of charge has been remarkable and a mere thank you doesn’t even get close to our gratitude.”
Guest referred to us in 2024
Our Guests
Some guests crave a tranquil rural location in a quiet village with nothing but great views and a fabulous pub for dinner while others prefer a lodge on a holiday park with activity and entertainment on tap. The seaside is always a winner though!
Above all we want the break to be right for the individual so that they can truly escape the challenges of a palliative diagnosis. To give them the chance, even if it’s for a few days, of normality without the worry and risk of committing to booking a holiday when life isn’t so straightforward.
Our Referral Partners
Our referral partners are health and social care professionals including Macmillan cancer and palliative care support teams, Marie Curie and other hospices, Carer organisations and Medical Practices and are based across the M62 corridor. We partner with health and social care professionals because they’re best placed to spot someone who might benefit from a short break from their palliative diagnosis.
We currently partner with more than 15 referral services and organisations and are open to hearing from more potential referrers along that M62 corridor to partner with. If you work in palliative care whether that’s for a hospice, medical practice or caring organisation and you want to find out more about us, simply contact Rachel Boggs, our Operations Co-ordinator on 07516 315602 or email her at: rachel@abitofabreak.com
If you’re already one of our referral partners and have a patient you would like to refer, please complete the application form and send it to Rachel. She will be in touch with you within 1-2 days to go through the referral and will then contact your patient and begin the property search.
Our Frequently Asked Questions page should answer any questions you have about becoming a referrer, which patients/clients you can refer and the process but if in doubt, please email rachel@abitofabreak.com for more information.
Property Partners
From small cottages in the Yorkshire Dales to caravans on holiday parks in Blackpool, lodges in the Lake District and apartments with sea views in Northumberland, our 50 strong portfolio of holiday homes is packed with beautiful properties in stunning locations. It’s thanks to the generosity of our property partners that we’re able to offer a break to people when they need it the most.
We’re always looking to add to our property portfolio especially holiday homes with ground floor bathrooms and bedrooms and even better with wheelchair access. Above all we need a mix of properties – location, timings, number of bedrooms, flexible accommodation – so that we can best meet the needs of our various guests as closely as possible.
“The lodge was wonderful and in a lovely setting. My husband needed a break probably more than me and we both had a fantastic time with our daughter and granddaughter. I can’t thank A Bit of a Break enough as we really wouldn’t have had the nerve to arrange anything like this ourselves. “
Guest referred in 2024
Research Evidence
Click on the image to read about the research evidence for the benefits of holidays for those living with a terminal illness
