A Home Away was founded by journalist Rosa Doherty, whose career has been dedicated to telling human stories that matter—stories of real people, their struggles, their resilience, and the small but powerful things that bring them joy.

Rosa founded A Home Away with a simple but heartfelt mission: to offer families the chance to pause, reset, and reconnect—especially at a time when the cost of living crisis has made even the idea of a holiday feel out of reach for many.

Holidays aren’t just about escape—they’re about dignity, well-being, and growth. They offer a chance to breathe, to make lasting memories, and to feel cared for. For children and young people, time away from the everyday can open up the world: it can spark curiosity, build confidence, and offer emotional space to learn, develop, and grow.

While some families are struggling just to meet basic needs, others have the privilege of second homes that may sit empty for weeks at a time. In fact, there are over 250,000 second homes in the UK. A Home Away offers a meaningful way for people to give something back—by sharing the resources they already have to create life-changing moments for others.

A Home Away exists to give people the dignity of time. Time to switch off. Time to be together. Time to experience something new, without the pressure of financial burden.

Whether it’s a few days at the coast or a quiet retreat in the countryside, every stay is a chance to create meaningful moments. Because everyone deserves a break—and for some, it can be life-changing.

Our goal is simple but ambitious: to open up at least 50 homes this year to families in need of a break. Whether that’s through donated stays, partnerships, or shared space, every home added is another opportunity to change someone’s story.