It is the voluntary organization Husmoderferie that is behind the project titled 'Network Holidays for Socially Disadvantaged Families with Children'. 24 families will have the opportunity for a stay either in Lalandia in Rødby or at Danland's holiday center in Faaborg during the autumn holiday.

The organization was founded in the wake of World War II with the aim of giving single and hard-working mothers a much-needed break from everyday life. Today, the organization continues this tradition by offering stays where participants can find peace, community, and networking. The work is financed through donations from foundations and grants, which makes it possible to keep prices down and ensure that even people with fewer resources can participate.

– We are talking about families that are challenged on many parameters. They belong to the most disadvantaged both socially and economically, which leads to a vulnerability that affects the children in their daily lives. Primarily, they are single caregivers with a limited network, who are also affected by physical or mental illness. Often, the children are also sick or have a diagnosis, says the organization's secretary Marianne Brøndberg.

 Marianne Brøndberg

Positive feedback

The families come from all over the country. What they have in common is that they have all previously participated in a similar networking program during the summer holiday, where a total of 90 families were involved.

– The networking program during the autumn holiday is a follow-up to the summer stay. It provides an opportunity to build on the relationships the families established in the summer and simultaneously continue working on some of the themes they dealt with there. In this way, we can support changes in their everyday lives, says Marianne Brøndberg.

During the networking stay, pedagogically trained staff participate, who support and facilitate the process.

– Throughout the program, we experience how the families dare to open up to each other. They discover that they are not alone with their challenges, but that others are also struggling with difficult issues. This insight allows for reflection and support, says Marianne Brøndberg, adding that the association receives many positive responses from the participants.

– We find that a networking program has a significant impact. The families report that they return home with strengthened self-esteem, a new self-image, and a sense that they are also important.