1891
Established
29
Schools in 2024
368
Holidays in 2024
Welcome to Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre
Since 1891, Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre has given children facing challenging circumstances in their daily lives, the chance to experience something many of us take for granted – a holiday by the sea. We are a small but determined Derbyshire charity with a big impact, built on the belief that every child deserves joy, adventure, and memories to cherish.
Why we do what we do
Too many children in Derbyshire are growing up in poverty or difficult circumstances. Many will never enjoy a holiday, feel sand between their toes, or experience carefree time away from daily struggles. These missed opportunities don’t just take away fun – they limit confidence, wellbeing, and hope for the future.
What we do about it
We provide free, fully supported seaside holidays at our centre in Skegness. Here, children are cared for by our dedicated staff and volunteers, enjoy good food, laughter, trips to the beach, and activities that nurture their confidence, resilience, and friendships. These holidays give children a break from challenges at home and the chance to return happier, more confident, and ready to thrive.
Why we’re needed
For many children, this is their very first holiday. The difference is lasting – they come home with memories, smiles, and a sense that they matter. With rising child poverty, our work is more needed now than ever.
How you can help change a child’s life
Donate – just £380 funds a holiday for one child. Donate using either our ‘Go Fund Me‘ or ‘Just Giving‘ appeal pages
Fundraise – take on a challenge, hold an event, or join one of our campaigns.
Volunteer – give your time at our centre or support us locally. Email: [email protected]
Partner with us – schools, businesses, and community groups can work with us to bring hope to children.
Connect & share with others – Follow our journey on socialmedia as we plan for a brighter future. Share our mission and story to help us raise awareness.
- Share your story – Have you or a close family member visited our Centre for a holiday? Share your story with us – we would love to hear from you! Email us [email protected]Come along and join in – Look at our events page to see what’s going on, where and when, come along, have a chat about what we are up to and how you might be able to help.
Together, we can continue to make a lasting difference in their lives. Every contribution, big or small, creates brighter futures for Derbyshire’s children.
Facebook Posts
Join Us in Making a Difference: The Comeback Appeal 2026
For over 130 years, we’ve been offering children the chance to create cherished memories, build confidence, and enjoy the magic of a seaside break. These holidays provide so much more than fun—they offer a vital boost to the well-being of children who need it most. But rising costs have been no secret and so we have taken the decision to pause holidays at our centre in 2025, with the aim of coming back bigger and stronger in 2026.
So the goal of our 'Comeback Appeal' is to raise £75,000 to bring back our life-changing holidays to disadvantaged children in Derbyshire and spread joy and hope to even more children in 2026.
This year, we need your help to make this possible. By contributing to The Comeback Appeal, you’ll be helping us bring sunshine back into the lives of children who might not otherwise experience a holiday.
Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to giving these children the gift of happiness, hope, and unforgettable memories.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and support for this cause that means so much to all of us. Together, we can make 2026 a year to remember for Derbyshire’s children.
Let’s make the comeback stronger than ever.
A slightly different post today as all of us at the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre want to wish a happy 60th wedding anniversary to two of our most beloved fundraisers, David Harris and Ann Harris. Both are deservedly ambassadors for the charity.
dchc.org.uk/our-ambassadors/
You’re both treasured and have been so generous over the years you’ve been involved with the charity; today we say thanks to you both, and wish you a happy new year for 2026!
Many congratulations on achieving this milestone of a Diamond wedding anniversary, here’s to many more years ahead. ... See MoreSee Less
Our Ambassadors – Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre
dchc.org.uk
I’m Alan Grimadell, and I’m proud to be an Ambassador for Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre. Born and bred in Derby, I’ve always been passionate about supporting my local community, and thi...5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thank you Janine and Cilla. Very much appreciated. Cilla, have you made the move to Four Lanes End yet? If so I wish you every happiness in your new home. David and Ann
Congratulations on your 60th Wedding Anniversary Ann & David 🥂🎉
Helen Harris-Ellis
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As we sign off for Christmas, we want to say the biggest thank you to everyone who has supported Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre this year!
It’s been a big year for us — a year of change, careful planning, and laying strong foundations for the future. Because of your kindness, encouragement and generosity, we are heading into 2026 with real hope.
Next year, children will once again:
* Enjoy holidays at the seaside
* Feel safe, cared for and valued
* And help us celebrate our 135th anniversary this June!
From all of us at DCHC, thank you for being part of our story. We couldn’t do this without you.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a hopeful New Year ✨ ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre Janine Holmes and all that have worked so hard in 2025, thank you for everything you’ve done. It’s so exciting to see that 2026 is lined up to be an amazing transitional year not only for our charity but also for the 230+ children that will be back again, making friends, making memories and embracing fun for 5 days in Skegness. 😄
You're all brilliant and hard working thank you for everything you do for the kids wishing you all the best for 2026 I will be popping in next season 😊 🎅🎄🎊🎉🎁🥳 ❤️❤️ xxxx
Here here!!
🥊 What a night of boxing in Derby!
Last night at Vaillant Live, Alan Graves delivered a superb performance against David Kerkmann, securing his 6th undefeated victory with a second-round knockout.
We’re incredibly grateful to Alan for his continued support of Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre. His commitment goes well beyond the ring, and we’re looking forward to sharing more news in January about a very generous donation.
A special thank you as well for Alan’s support of local veterans, who were given free tickets to enjoy the event — a thoughtful and much-appreciated gesture.
The evening also featured a strong line-up of local, up-and-coming boxers, building the atmosphere throughout the night and showcasing the depth of boxing talent here in Derby.
A fantastic event, a great crowd, and a brilliant example of sport bringing the community together 👏 ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Amazing night
Well done Alan Graves 👍
A great evening of boxing Alan won a decisive victory and helped a worthwhile charity
Amazing to be at tonight’s weigh in for Alan Graves’ Homecoming fight against David Kerkman tomorrow at Vaillant Live. We’re rooting for you Alan! And we’re so grateful you’ve chosen to support our charity with your fight.
Thank you.
Fancy an epic night out? Why not head down there? ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Looking forward to seeing the fight tonight. There’s a few tickets left for those who haven’t yet booked. Alan Graves Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre
Let’s sell out the event! ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
The clock is ticking towards Alan’s challenge match in Derby at Vaillant Live on 20th December! Alan has pledged a fantastic donation to our charity if the event sells out! There’s still time to grab tickets!
vaillantlive.co.uk/event/homecoming%3A-alan-graves-v-david-kerkmann/104/ ... See MoreSee Less
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