For Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re sharing real stories from military families who have experienced the positive impact that time away can have on wellbeing.
Thanks to the generosity of Give Us Time supporters and hosts, these families were able to step away from the pressures of everyday life, reconnect with loved ones, and create lasting memories together.
Every story is different, but they all highlight the same thing: time together matters.
Reconnecting Between Deployments
One military family recently enjoyed a special break in Scotland between deployments — a chance to reconnect after months apart before another long period of separation.
“After spending three months apart, this stay gave us the space and time to reconnect and have fun as a family while exploring somewhere new — with glorious sunshine too!
It gave us memories that will last well beyond this next deployment period.
Our hosts couldn’t have been more accommodating, especially travelling with young children, and it was lovely connecting with them as a dual-serving military couple.
We’re so grateful to Give Us Time and our hosts for such a special stay.”
Breaks like this give families the chance to pause, reconnect, and strengthen family bonds during some of life’s most challenging moments.
A Long-Awaited Reunion
Another family discovered Give Us Time after being encouraged to use the service following a long-awaited family reunion.
“We first heard about Give Us Time through our UWO after the arrival of our son from Fiji in January 2025. We hadn’t seen him since April 2019.
We chose a holiday park close to home for our first family stay together, and from the first day to the last, we enjoyed every moment.
It gave us the time we needed to reconnect as a family after so many years apart, and seeing the happiness on our sons’ faces meant everything to us.
We’re incredibly grateful for the experience and would highly recommend Give Us Time to any serving personnel or veteran.”
For families separated by service, these opportunities to simply spend quality time together can make an enormous difference.
A Cosy Christmas Break in Scotland
One family enjoyed a festive break in Scotland, giving them the chance to relax and make special memories together.
“The location in Scotland was amazing, the house was perfect, and the owners went above and beyond.
The kids loved hiking in the hills around us, and our Christmas stay was made even more special with a log fire and Christmas movies together.
It was definitely worth the long drive and we’d love to revisit again one day.”
Moments like these give families the chance to reconnect and enjoy precious time together.
Making Memories in Crieff
One family recently enjoyed a restorative break in Crieff, spending quality time together away from the stresses of everyday life — with their dog Addie joining the adventure too.
“We’ve had the most amazing time in Crieff this week. This break allowed us to reconnect as a family away from the stresses of normal life, which has been so lovely.
Even better, we could bring our dog Addie along to enjoy the adventures with us. Hiking around the hills of Crieff was definitely more challenging than Lincolnshire — but we all had great fun, especially Addie and her boys!
Thank you for all you do, and a huge thank you to Braidhaugh Holiday Park for the best week making memories — and for arranging the amazing weather too!”
Sometimes it’s the simple moments — walking together, exploring somewhere new, laughing as a family — that have the greatest impact on wellbeing.
A Restorative Escape in France
One family travelled to Moréac in Brittany for a peaceful countryside break that gave them the opportunity to truly relax and reconnect.
“Our week at Le Goludic, Moréac exceeded our expectations. Even the weather was amazing, reaching up to 30°!
The gite was located in an idyllic countryside setting surrounded by farmers’ fields. The quiet was incredibly relaxing — just birds singing and the occasional tractor.
Our hosts, Ralph and Carol, were so friendly and welcoming. They gave us complete privacy while also making us feel completely at ease, almost like staying with friends.
The gite itself had everything we needed and felt so homely, with a beautiful garden where we spent time playing outdoor games together.
We also explored places like Vannes, Josselin, Pontivy and Mont Saint-Michel, creating memories we’ll never forget.
Although the journey was long and tiring at times, it was absolutely worth it. We’re incredibly grateful to Give Us Time and to our generous hosts for an opportunity we otherwise would never have had.”
For many families, these breaks provide more than just a holiday — they offer a rare chance to rest, reconnect, and enjoy uninterrupted time together.
Why These Breaks Matter
Military life can bring unique pressures, from deployments and long separations to the challenges of rebuilding family routines after time apart. Opportunities to pause, reconnect, and spend meaningful time together are incredibly important for family wellbeing.
At Give Us Time, we believe every family deserves the chance to create happy memories together.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, we want to thank every supporter and host who helps make these moments possible for military families.
By offering breaks, spreading awareness of Give Us Time, or supporting the charity in other ways, our community helps families reconnect, recharge, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Thank you to all our supporters, hosts, and families for being part of the Give Us Time community.