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.
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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.
Contact Us Today
Some of Our Valued Supporters
📻 Don't forget to tune in to BBC Derby tomorrow morning ... 📻
Listen out from 7am and you'll be able to hear our wonderful supporter Kerry Anderson chatting to Becky Measures all about why she has chosen to host a ball in memory of her daughter, Emily, this Saturday: February 21.
The 'Be You' ball is being held on what would have been Emily's 30th birthday.
Emily (pictured right, below) sadly took her own life aged 23 - today her mum is choosing to honour her memory by hosting the colourful event in aid of our charity and our friends at Treetops Hospice.
You can hear her story on Becky's breakfast show tomorrow.
And if you want to know how you can help, do consider a donation to Kerry's fundraising - it all goes to help children have a fabulous time by the sea.
Kerry and our CEO Janine Holmes are looking ready for a ball in the picture below - are you?
Here's the link to donate: lnkd.in/eHmR_8mW ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank You, Derby County FC & Rams Fans! 🐏
A huge thank you to Derby County Football Club for allowing us to collect outside the ground before Saturday’s match at Pride Park.
And to every single supporter who stopped, smiled, chatted, and donated – whether it was loose change or a larger gift – thank you. It all adds up, and it all makes a difference.
We’ve already raised over £1,000 (and we’re still counting!) 🙌
A massive shoutout as well to our fantastic team of volunteers – not everyone is pictured here – who gave up their time in the cold to help us collect. Your energy and commitment mean so much.
Every pound raised helps us provide life-changing seaside holidays for children across Derbyshire who need a break, a boost in confidence, and the chance to just be children.
If you missed us on Saturday but would still like to donate, you can do so here:
👉 www.justgiving.com/dchc
Thank you for helping us continue Giving Derbyshire’s Children a Break.
#DerbyCounty #DCFC #Community #Charity #Derbyshire #MakingADifference #GivingBack ... See MoreSee Less
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Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre - truly an amazing fundraiser for all of us involved. The generosity of Derby County football supporters is unbelievable. Thanks to all that gave and all the volunteers that helped us on the day.
It's been great to see our fabulous fundraiser Kerry Anderson getting the media recognition she deserves.
Kerry is hosting a 'Be You' charity ball on what would have been her daughter Emily's 30th birthday.
Sadly Emily (pictured below) passed away aged 23. But Kerry is channelling her grief in the most incredible way possible - hosting a ball for us and our friends at Treetops Hospice.
Kerry is pictured below with our own CEO Janine Holmes illustrating the 'anything goes' theme of the ball at Pride Park!
It's a tribute to the free spirit that Emily was.
If you can't make the ball on February 21 there is still a way you can support Kerry and her courage. You can donate here - showing support for Kerry and her courage and our charity too.
www.justgiving.com/page/kerry-anderson-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
See the comments below for Kerry's incredible tale of bravery, grief and 'being you', thanks to the team at Derbyshire Live. ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/derby-news/derby-mum-organising-big-ball-10803900.amp
The ‘Be You’ ball is a beautiful tribute to Emily, and we’re proud to stand alongside Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre in recognising the strength behind Kerry’s fundraising. Her story reminds us why the care we provide matters so much to local families.
AN EVENING WITH A CRICKET LEGEND
Join us for an unforgettable night with Devon Malcolm OBE – one of the most feared fast bowlers of his generation and a true Derbyshire & England great.
💥 9 wickets for 57 runs vs South Africa
💥 Over 300 international wickets
💥 Famous for raw pace, fearless spells, and iconic moments that defined an era of English cricket
Devon will be sharing stories from his incredible career in an intimate interview setting – honest, funny, and full of insight you won’t hear anywhere else.
📅 Thursday 5th March
📍 Ashbourne Pavilion
🕢 7.30pm
🎟️ £20 (includes sandwich buffet)
The evening is raising money for Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre, with a charity raffle and auction on the night, featuring some seriously special prizes 👇
🎁 Auction highlights include:
🏇 Box for 2 at Uttoxeter Racecourse or Burton Albion
🏏 Table for 2 at the County Ground, donated by Derbyshire County Cricket Club
🏺 Royal Crown Derby plate celebrating Devon’s legendary 9-for-57
👕 Gary Sobers signed shirt
📖 Signed book by Farokh Engineer
📘 Signed book by Devon Malcolm himself
🏎️Ticket for 2 to a Great Northern Classics event
🎟️ Tickets are limited – book in advance:
👉 derbyshirechildrensholidaycentre.beaconforms.com/...
Cricket lovers, Derbyshire supporters, and anyone who enjoys a great story for a great cause – this one’s for you! ... See MoreSee Less
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Winston Percival
🌞 Are you looking to do something amazing this summer?
Why not join us as a Holiday Care Team volunteer and help children facing challenging circumstances experience the pure joy of a seaside break 💙
From the magic of sand between their toes, to sandcastle building, laughter, and serious fun by the sea – you’ll be part of something truly special at our Centre in Skegness.
✨ What’s in it for you?
Make a real difference to a child’s life
Build friendships and unforgettable memories
Learn new skills and gain valuable experience
Be part of a warm, supportive team
Have Serious Fun at the seaside
👉 Holiday Care Team volunteer applications for 2026 are now open!
Ready to give a week that could change a child’s life – and yours?
💻 Learn more about volunteering at our Centre here: dchc.org.uk/volunteering/
And apply here: forms.office.com/e/si9mvggAxE ... See MoreSee Less
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AN EVENING OF WONDERFUL MUSIC
Join us for a different type of evening where the focus will be on Simon and Garfunkel. Known for amazing songs, Kathy's Story will take you on a journey from Paul Simon's earliest years through to the success he had when joining up with Art Garfunkel. A few memorable songs below to refresh your memory and wet your appetites
💥 America
💥 The Boxer
💥 Bridge Over Troubled Water
💥 Cecilia
💥 Homeward Bound
💥 I Am A Rock
💥 Kathy's Song
💥 Mrs Robinson
💥 Our Song
💥 Scarborough Fair
💥 The Sound Of Silence
We feel sure you'll love the way the evening moves through it's two sessions, from storytelling interjected with songs to an grand finale. We are delighted to be able to bring this event to a new audience in Belper, don't miss your chance to join us.
📅 Friday 10th April 2026
📍 BELPER TOWN FC, Christchurch Meadow, Bridge Street, Belper, DE56 1BA.
🕢 7.00pm
🎟️ £15 (we will also have a raffle on the night, £5 per entry)
The evening is raising money for Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre.
🎟️ Tickets are limited – book in advance:-
derbyshirechildrensholidaycentre.beaconforms.com/form/1491bf64
Thank you for supporting us; we couldn't do it without you. ... See MoreSee Less
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