Apply for a Funded Beach Hut Day or Caravan Short Break

At The Hut Mersea Island CIC, we provide funded seaside experiences for individuals and families facing significant life challenges.

Our aim is simple: To create safe, peaceful spaces by the sea where people can rest, reconnect and breathe.

We offer:

🌊 Funded Beach Hut Days at Mabel Hut and Erin Hut (Mersea Island)

🏖 Funded Short Breaks at Harry Caravan (Clacton)

Funded means the cost of the hut or caravan is covered through donations or grants.

Travel, food and additional costs are not included.

Who Can Apply?

Funded breaks are available for people experiencing significant challenge. This may include (but is not limited to):

  • Living with disability or long-term health conditions
  • Cancer (current or recent treatment)
  • Life-changing or significant injury
  • Learning disability, autism or ADHD
  • Serious mental health difficulties
  • Recent hospital stay
  • End-of-life care (patient or family)
  • Serving military families or veterans
  • Emergency services workers
  • Full-time unpaid carers
  • Families caring for a child with additional needs
  • Bereavement (within the last 2 years)
  • Financial hardship linked to health or caring responsibilities

You do not need to meet every category.

We understand that life is complex, and every situation is individual.

How Applications Are Decided

Funding is limited and we receive more applications than we can always support.

All applications are reviewed using a fair scoring framework based on:

  • Level of need
  • Current circumstances
  • Access to previous breaks
  • Available funding criteria

Some funding is restricted to specific groups (for example, cancer-related support or military families). If this applies, we will assess accordingly.

Our goal is always to ensure funded days and breaks reach those who would benefit most.

What You’ll Be Asked

The form will ask about:

  • Your contact details
  • Who will attend
  • Your current situation
  • Why this break would help right now
  • When you last had a break

You can apply yourself or be referred by a professional.

All information is handled confidentially and processed under Legitimate Interest and, where applicable, Explicit Consent in line with data protection regulations

Self-Funded Bookings

Anyone is welcome to book a self-funded stay.

  • Beach hut days are £80 per day
  • Caravan stays are priced depending on season and length

By booking a paid stay, you are directly helping us fund breaks for others.

Before You Apply

Please only apply for a funded break if:

  • You are experiencing genuine hardship or challenge
  • You have not recently received a funded break (unless circumstances have significantly changed)
  • You are able to travel to the location

If your circumstances change before your visit, please inform us so we can ensure safety and suitability

If you are in immediate danger or crisis, please contact 999 or local emergency services

 

Ready to Apply?

Complete the application form below.

If you need the form in large print, audio format or alternative format, please contact us and we will be happy to help

If you are unsure whether to apply, feel free to email Ty@thehutmerseaisland.co.uk and we can guide you.

    Funded days are allocated based on level of need and available funding. "Funded" means the cost is covered by donations or grants. Travel and additional costs are not included. If you need this form in large print, audio, or another format, please contact us.

    Applicant Details

    Referrer Details (if applicable)

    Household Attending

    Previous access to breaks




    Data Controller: The Hut Mersea Island CIC We process information under Legitimate Interest and, where applicable, Explicit Consent. We retain data for up to 3 years. You may request access or deletion at any time. If circumstances change before your visit, please inform us to ensure safety and suitability. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 999 or local services.