Forest Holidays, which has a site at Deer Park near Looe, will be providing free breaks for families in Cornwall coping with tough challenges.

The cabin holiday company has gone into partnership with national charity the Family Holiday Association. They will provide back-to-nature breaks for families coping with some of the toughest challenge’s life can bring, such as severe and long-term illness, bereavement, mental health issues, disability and domestic violence. The company’s nine locations will provide breaks for 52 families.

There is a growing body of scientific evidence to suggest that spending time in a natural environment can help physical and mental wellbeing. The holidays will be in cabins with an outdoor hot tub and log burning stove together with a Forest Ranger activity.

The Family Holiday Association receives referrals from professionals or charities supporting families at a time of crisis. They could be a teacher, social worker, health professional or a charity such as Barnardo’s or Shelter.