For many families, school holidays bring excitement, adventure, and a welcome break. But for families living in refuge after escaping domestic abuse, half-term can be one of the most challenging times of the year. Budgets are stretched, routines are disrupted, and parents already navigating unimaginable stress worry about how to give their children the joy they deserve.

That’s why a trip to Hobbledown Heath in London was so much more than a fun day out. For 75 children and their families supported by KidsOut, it was a day filled with magic, laughter, and the freedom to simply be children again. And it was all made possible thanks to the incredible kindness of our ambassador, Ashan 

A Break from Worry — And a Return to Childhood

For parents in refuge, every day is a balancing act: trying to rebuild safety, stability, and hope while supporting children who have often witnessed or experienced trauma. Half-term only adds to that pressure. Many parents tell us they dread the holidays, fearing they won’t be able to offer the kind of fun and enrichment every child should enjoy.

But on this bright autumn day, those worries melted away.

Children raced through the adventure playgrounds, climbed wooden towers, and darted across rope bridges with wide-eyed excitement. Families wandered the animal trails, meeting alpacas, goats, and some of Hobbledown Heath’s more unusual residents. For many children, it was their first time seeing animals up close — each new discovery bringing another burst of joy and curiosity.

And of course, being half-term in October, the park had been transformed for Halloween, offering spooky fun around every corner 🎃🕸️. Face paint, pumpkin-themed activities, and plenty of gentle frights made the day even more unforgettable.

None of this would have been possible without Ashan, whose generosity funded the entire experience. As a KidsOut ambassador, he understands just how vital these moments are for children rebuilding their lives after trauma.

His support didn’t just create a fun outing — it created memories that will stay with these families. It offered parents a moment of relief and gave children the chance to enjoy the carefree magic of childhood that every child deserves.