The Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor

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Helping a family get ‘Away From It All’

Friday July 10th 2026

Funding can be given for activities like a day trip to the seaside with lunch and ice cream.

Delegates and clergy at Connor’s recent Synod were reminded of the Mothers’ Union’s ‘Away From It All’ scheme (AFIA).

Addressing Synod in Dunluce, Alison Skillen, Connor MU Diocesan President, said that this was one of MU’s longest-running projects. It supports families through, for example, the provision of short holiday breaks and trips, choir tours and youth activities, offering much-needed respite to families who are unable to afford or access them due to difficult personal circumstances.

Alison said: “MU is committed to helping families who may be facing adversity, health problems, economic hardship, bereavement, health issues or other life-changing circumstances.

“Through these trips, priceless memories are created, giving people a break ‘away from it all’, improving wellbeing and physical health and contributing to creating stronger family bonds and relationships.

“For some participants undergoing financial or other hardships, these could be the only holidays they might be able to have to celebrate treasured moments or cherish new experiences.”

Connor MU Diocesan President Alison Skillen.

Alison said the trip doesn’t have to be a ‘holiday’ as such, as money can be given for such activities as a day trip to the seaside with lunch and ice cream or a day in Belfast with tickets for the Titanic Centre or the cinema. It could also cover the cost of train tickets or meals out.

“Try thinking of the funding to be used for a ‘treat’ for an individual or family in hardship,” she encouraged.

In the past, Connor MU has given grants for a range of ‘breaks’ including:

• The hire of a cottage in the Mournes for a few days
• An Airbnb at the north coast
• A day out for a family to Portrush on the train with funding for meals and ice cream
• Enabling young people to attend school trips away/choir tours/Summer Madness events/Scout and Guide camps, etc.

“We are in a strong position of having around £3,500 to give for various AFIA options and we depend on you – our clergy – to identify suitable recipients,” Alison told Synod.

“We could fund up to five or six breaks with this funding, some of which will have to be returned if we don’t use it this year!”

Some of the funding comes from Connor MU branches and churches, some from the Dean of Belfast’s Sit-out and some from the All Ireland ‘Mums in May’ funding.

Alison invited clergy to think about a suitable recipient from their parish, saying that all applications are confidential although clergy are asked to give feedback after the AFIA break to evaluate the difference it has made.

Alison concluded: “Please support this ongoing initiative of faith in practical action and help us to make a difference in someone’s life!”

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