Regional community support – how we make a difference
At Travel Chapter, we’re passionate about promoting responsible tourism and giving back to the communities that make UK holidays so special.
Local organisations and charities are the backbone of these communities – they uplift residents, create a sense of pride, and carry out invaluable work to improve people’s lives.
In 2023/24, we were proud to support 47 community groups, organisations and charities, positively impacting an estimated 42,000 people. Below are just some of the projects we’ve championed.
Find out more at holidaycottages.co.uk
Arts and culture – bringing communities together
The arts play a vital role in enriching lives, encouraging community spirit, and improving well-being. Many cultural initiatives depend on the dedication of volunteers and charitable organisations – and we’re proud to help them thrive.
For instance, in Devon, our funding enabled the Appledore Book Festival to bring six inspiring authors into local schools, providing free books for children to take home. Over in Dorset, we supported the Purbeck Art Weeks Festival, allowing them to deliver art workshops to students as part of their Purbeck Young Artists Scheme.
We also backed performing arts groups like Flash Company Arts in Yorkshire, who provide free creative sessions, hot meals,and family support services. Meanwhile, our contribution helped Britten Pears Arts in Suffolk, run three months of their Participate Programme, which uses music to build connections within the community.
“The continued support from holidaycottages.co.uk towards the last few months of the programme each year has helped to provide the security we need. Not only does this continue to bring this important, social programme to participants during what can be the loneliest time of the year for those in later life, but it also means we can continue to expand the reach of our programme and hire more accessible venues for our participants.” – Britten Pears Arts
Inclusion – creating accessible opportunities
Inclusion is at the heart of both our workplace and the communities we operate in. That’s why we help fund organisations committed to making experiences accessible to all.
In Dorset, we contributed to Friends of MV Freedom’s lifejacket appeal – essential for their accessible sea trips for people with disabilities. We also helped Urdd Gobaith Cymru, a Welsh-language youth organisation, by funding Makaton services at Eisteddfod yr Urdd 2024.
Our support extended to refurbishing five accessible bedrooms at the Calvert Trust Lake District, which offers outdoor activities for people with disabilities. Additionally, we sponsored two children to take part in a six-week Surf Therapy session with The Wave Project in Brighton, a charity which supports young people struggling with mental health and well-being.
“It is fantastic to know that we will be able to continue providing comfortable and inviting accommodation for the 3,500 guests we support each year. In the world of accessible accommodation, it has often been the case that making adjustments for accessibility means there is a compromise on style and finish. With the support from holidaycottages.co.uk, we will provide accessible accommodation without compromise – our rooms will be warm and welcoming, as they should be.” – Calvert Trust Lake District
Environment – protecting natural spaces
We take pride in supporting environmental projects that protect green spaces, promote sustainability, and educate future generations.
As a Certified B-Corporation, we’re committed to high social and environmental standards. We’ve partnered with groups like Plastic Free North Devon, Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, and Ranger Jane’s Beach School, all of which work tirelessly to safeguard marine environments and reduce pollution.
Our environmental support also includes funding to aid the Peak District National Park Foundation in the resurfacing of accessible trails, creating bilingual signage for Harlech Community Council’s Wildflower Meadow Orchard Project, and backing the Bonnie Banks Bin Scheme to keep laybys clean near Loch Lomond.
In Ireland, our contributions have helped Green Sod preserve biodiversity and launch their Bee Aware programme in schools.
Additionally,we continue our broader partnerships with national organisations including the RSPB and the Marine Conservation Society.
“This is a crucial time for nature recovery and climate action. Nourishing and upskilling the next generation of changemakers is imperative to try and secure a healthy and functioning planet for all. Thank you from all of us at Plastic Free North Devon.” – Plastic Free North Devon
Learn more about our B-Corp Certification
Sports and activities – encouraging healthy lifestyles
As a team that loves the outdoors, we’re passionate about promoting access to sports and recreational activities in local communities.
We’ve sponsored organisations such as Aldeburgh Yacht Club, Bury St Edmunds RUFC, and Whitstable Yacht Club. Our contributions have supported initiatives ranging from school sailing sessions and children’s yachting qualifications to multi-sports holiday camps.
“Our Community Team orchestrated a dynamic multi-sport camp during the February half term, catering to local children aged 5–12. At our club, we take immense pride in our community engagement, striving to offer sporting opportunities to numerous local children throughout the year via holiday camps and school coaching programmes. holidaycottages.co.uk’s support facilitated the provision of 20 additional places for children, and it ensured each attendee received a complimentary meal.” – Bury St Edmunds RUFC
Community impact – supporting local causes
We’re dedicated to making sure that everyone in the UK’s beloved holiday destinations benefits from tourism. That’s why we continually support community events, charities, and grassroots initiatives.
For 2025, our charity of the year is Trussell, which supports food banks nationwide. We will be fundraising for them throughout the year and will be supporting our local food banks through donations and volunteering. Find out more about our support for Trussell here.
In 2023/24, we supported the Keswick Area Food Share and The Zink Project in Derbyshire, helping to provide hot meals, food bank services, and community cafes.
Other groups we’ve contributed to include Northumberland Log Bank who are working to address fuel poverty, and The Footprint Trust on the Isle of Wight, who focus on helping people reduce their environmental impact.
Further beneficiaries include Lynmouth Community Gardens (Devon), The Windmill Community Garden (Kent), Yesu Sheringham (Norfolk), Cumbria Community Foundation, and The Bircham Centre (Norfolk), all of which provide vital services and community spaces.
“We simply could not operate without charitable support to cover the running and maintenance costs of our equipment. We delivered to over 250 households, keeping an estimated 750 people warm last winter. We receive overwhelming gratitude for the help we are giving; the relief we see when we arrive with alog delivery is a reward for the time volunteers dedicate to our organisation.” – Northumberland Log Bank
Additional support
Some of our partnerships don’t fall neatly into one category – but they’re equally important.
For example, we helped the Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team upgrade their digital radios and contributed to Cumbria Tourism’s 50th Anniversary Fund, supporting the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals.
“The funding has directly supported our team of 35 volunteers out on the mountains, but indirectly it has supported the 60 or so casualties we support on average each year. We now have new handheld radios and vehicle radios. The better communications system is making life safer for the team and ultimately for the casualties we assist.” – Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team
Looking ahead
As long as people continue to explore the UK’s stunning landscapes and vibrant communities, we’ll remain committed to promoting responsible tourism and supporting local causes.
We’re excited about the future and look forward to building more impactful partnerships in 2025 and beyond.
“While we’re all proud of what we’ve achieved so far, we know that there’s always more to do. We’re excited to keep pushing forward and finding new ways to support the environment and our communities.” – Jayne McClure, Travel Chapter CEO
Find out more about how we give back
