Guidance Notes for Guests
Thank you for your interest in our group holiday programme. In order to give the whole group of disabled guests and volunteer carers the best time possible on each holiday the following guidelines apply. These may help you decide whether or not you would like to apply for one of our group holidays. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
FEES: Please check in the holiday brochure for the exact fee of your chosen holiday. This will also let you know whether the holiday is full or half board and the type of accommodation on each particular holiday. The subsidised holiday charge includes travel from a designated meeting point and accommodation including meals and assistance from a volunteer carer. It is payable 8 weeks prior to the holiday of your choice.
APPLICATIONS: So that we can assess your needs fairly, we request as much information as possible on the application form along with a recent photograph. Forms must be completed in full and all information given must be accurate. This information is then used to ascertain whether we are able to provide the necessary support for our guests for them and our carers to have an enjoyable and safer holiday. When a sufficient number of guest and helper applications have been received they are then considered and pairings of guests with volunteer carers made. This process will take some time and early applicants may have to wait 3 or 4 months for a decision. Once the applications have been considered you will be contacted by post and advised if we are able to offer you a place. In some cases we may not be able to offer the level of care required or the holiday might be oversubscribed. In these circumstances we would let you know in writing if we cannot offer you a place or if you are being put on a waiting list. Please note that we have to ensure we have the correct number of volunteer helpers in place before we can confirm holiday places. A completed Criminal Records Bureau check has to be received by us for every volunteer helper before they can be allocated a place on one of our holidays. We will endeavour to keep you informed on the progress of your chosen holiday and will be happy to answer any questions by phone or email during this process. If you are offered a place, we will write to you asking for a deposit and a more detailed medical form to be completed. It would also assist us if you can supply a copy of your care plan if you have one.
CANCELLATIONS: If, due to exceptional circumstances, you need to cancel your holiday, please advise us as soon as possible. Refunds will only be made at the Trustees’ discretion. We provide security for the monies that you pay for the group holidays booked with us. All money that you pay to 3H Fund is paid into a client account. Money held in this account is held on behalf of our guests and helpers. In the unlikely event of the failure of our Charity this money will still be available to those who have paid for our group holidays.
INSURANCE: Please note that holiday insurance is included in the cost of the overseas holiday. However, we do not provide cover for our UK holidays and this must be arranged independently. We will require proof of insurance details once a place is confirmed.
NURSING STAFF & HELPERS: 3H Fund provide volunteer carers on all our holidays along with a registered nurse or access to local medical centres. However it is the guests’ responsibility to bring all the relevant medication and aids they require on any holiday. If guests self medicate they must be fully aware it is their responsibility to make sure they have the correct medication and dosage. We will request an up to date medication list just before each holiday to be provided by your doctor.
Some helpers have their own transport while on holiday. Please be advised that if you were to travel with them while you are away you do so at your own risk and 3H Fund would not be liable for any damages in the event of an accident.
Please note wheelchair belts must be worn at all times for the safety of guest and helpers.
DELAYS/CHANGES: Bookings are made a long time in advance and we use the services of independent suppliers, such as hotels and coach companies over whom we have no direct control. If we need to make any minor changes to the holiday, we reserve the right to do so at any time. We would advise you of any changes as soon as we can by e-mail, phone, or text message, using the contact details given on the application form. We would also advise relatives or organisations collecting guests from pick up points or airports if there were any delays.
Whilst every attempt is taken to ensure the smooth running and enjoyment of our group holidays, occasionally some details may be subject to alteration due to circumstances beyond our control.
3H Fund is committed to conducting our business in a socially responsible manner, ensuring the protection of our employees, volunteers and guests. We comply with the Disability and Discrimination Act 1995. We also comply with the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.
3H Fund already provides a heavy subsidy on each holiday that has to be raised charitably, however we do appreciate that some guests may find it difficult to meet the full costs. We therefore offer the following advice:
Apply through your Local Authority Social Service Department
Any disabled person, or family with a disabled dependant, is entitled to approach their social services department who may be able to provide some support. This may involve applying to Trusts and Benevolent Funds on your behalf.
Apply through organisations
The following organisations will sometimes consider providing financial assistance towards holiday costs: Age Concern, Arthritis Care, British Red Cross, Multiple Sclerosis, Scope, Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Round Tables and The Salvation Army. The addresses and phone numbers of local branches will be in your phone book or of course on the Internet. Also, national organisations or their local branch concerned with your particular disability may be able to offer a small grant.
For a guest application form you can contact the 3H Fund office.