Kidney disease can leave you feeling low, isolated, and trapped at times. You may rely on benefits to get by and it’s not easy when illness stops you working and has a real impact on family life.
We believe holidays, breaks and the ability to take a vacation are an essential part of being able to live a fulfilling life.
Who can apply for a Kidney Care UK holiday grant
We provide financial support to low-income families who are significantly impacted by kidney disease, to the extent it seriously affects health and wellbeing.
You must have an eGFR of less than 29% or be a transplant recipient. This includes those on dialysis or receiving conservative care.
All of the following must also apply:
- Be a legal resident of the UK.
- Be over the age of 18 or have an adult or guardian apply on your behalf.
- Have a UK bank account and provide a summary of your household finances.
- Have the support of a healthcare professional referrer. This can be your renal social worker, consultant or a member of your kidney team.
Please contact us directly to discuss how we may be able to help, even if you don’t otherwise meet our eligibility criteria for a grant. We offer a range of free services and may be able to provide advice or support.
How to apply
You can find more information about how to apply for a grant here.
Remember to wait for a grant decision before making any arrangements. We cannot reimburse you for any deposits or payments that have already been paid.
Need some extra support? We are committed to making our application process as accessible as possible. If you have any questions or need any additional support with your application, please call our Grants team on 01420 541 424.
How will you receive your grant
We typically give a grant of £750 to individuals and families, in the form of a voucher called the Kidney Care UK Holiday Card which can be used towards the cost of one holiday with Inspire travel. The grant can be used to cover the total cost of a modest break or you may wish to contribute your own money towards a bigger trip.
To ensure you have the best holiday experience possible, Kidney Care UK has partnered with Inspire, a leading travel agent who will arrange all your travel needs and provide specialist support for people with kidney disease. We have chosen to work with them because they offer accessibility, choice, and a bespoke service to make your holiday dreams a reality. Whether you want help finding your ideal holiday or you’ve already got a specific trip in mind, Inspire can book that for you using your Kidney Care UK grant.
How to use your voucher
Your Kidney Care UK Holiday Card is registered to the applicant and preloaded with your grant so that you can book your holiday over the phone. You will receive full details of how to contact Inspire in your grant confirmation letter and be ready to start the exciting process of planning your trip and finding the best deals.
Inspire will help with all your travel enquiries, arrange any special assistance you may need and answer any questions you might have to ensure you find your perfect holiday. If you choose to contribute your own money towards your holiday, Inspire offer flexible and longer-term payment plans.
You have 6 months to redeem your Holiday Card voucher but you do not have to travel by this date. Simply choose and book your trip before your Holiday Card expires; you can travel at any time in the future.
Where you can travel
Inspire have access to over 400 of the best known and trusted travel providers in the UK and overseas, including brands such as Jet2Holidays, TUI, Hoseasons and many more. Their ABTA license means they can book any kind of break for you, whether you're planning to visit one of over 600 UK holiday parks, a package holiday, or a flights-only trip to stay with family or friends.
If you have seen specific flights or want to travel with a specific holiday tour operator, as a travel agent they can book that for you!
You have no idea what you've done for me and my family. To go on our first family holiday together was amazing. We were over the moon.Jamie, kidney patient and holiday grant recipient
I cannot wait to see my kids’ faces when they get to the airport and on that plane to Spain for their first holiday abroad. I never thought it would happen after I got told about my kidney failure but with help from Kidney Care UK. It has made a dream come true and we are all so grateful, thank you.Holiday grant recipient