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 £384 funds a holiday for one child. You can do this by 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.
How you can help change a child’s life
- Connect & share with others – follow our journey on social media 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.
Our Story
135 Years of Changing Children’s Lives
For 135 years, Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre has been helping children discover the joy, freedom and wonder of a seaside holiday. Since 1891, thousands of Derbyshire children facing poverty, family difficulties, bereavement, caring responsibilities, disability, or other challenges have been given the opportunity to escape their everyday worries and enjoy a few precious days by the sea.
Today, that mission is just as important as it was 135 years ago.
Why We Need Your Help
Many of the children we support have never had a holiday. Some have never seen the sea. Others are carrying worries that no child should have to face.
A holiday may sound simple, but for a child it can be transformational. A week away means:-
* Making new friends
* Building confidence and independence
* Learning new skills
* Having fun and feeling cared for
* Creating happy memories that last a lifetime
Most importantly, it gives children the chance to simply be children.
“I didn’t want to come home. It was the best week of my life.”
The Difference You Can Make
In 2026, we restarted our holiday programme and children are once again paddling in the sea, building sandcastles, exploring new places and discovering new confidence in themselves.
Every donation to our 135th Anniversary Appeal will help provide free residential holidays for Derbyshire children aged 6–11.
* £5 helps provide treats and activities.
* £15 helps cover food and transport.
* £32 a month can fund an entire holiday place over a year.
* £380 can give one child a complete life-changing holiday.
Looking to the Future
As we celebrate 135 years of service, we are not simply looking back at our history we are building the next chapter.
With your support, we can ensure that many more children experience the magic of the seaside, the kindness of caring adults, and the opportunity to flourish.
Be Part of Our Story
Whether you donate £5 or £500, every gift helps create brighter futures for Derbyshire children.
Please support our 135th Anniversary Appeal today and help us continue changing lives for another 135 years.
Thank you for helping Derbyshire’s children flourish!
Facebook Posts
Contact Us Today
Some of Our Valued Supporters
Throughout this week, two amazing supporters of Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre have been are taking on an extraordinary challenge – walking 102 miles across Derbyshire to help give disadvantaged children the chance of a free holiday by the sea.
Stuart Boon and his friend Xavier Andrews have set themselves this epic challenge because they believe every child deserves the opportunity to laugh, play, make friends and create happy memories.
For Stuart, this challenge is deeply personal.
As a child, Stuart stayed at the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre in Skegness. Like so many children we support today, he came to us for a much-needed break. Decades later, he still talks about the horse riding, the arts and crafts, the fun, the friendships and the memories that have stayed with him ever since.
He simply wants today's children to experience that same feeling.
"I used to go to the home and it's brought me a lot of memories. It's important for the children because they haven't had a holiday whatsoever and it's good for them to have that week away."
– Stuart Boon
Their walk has been named the "Who Knew?" Walk, highlighting something many people don't realise...
Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre doesn't just support children from Derby. We work with schools and communities right across Derbyshire, helping children facing poverty, bereavement, trauma, caring responsibilities and many other difficult circumstances.
Their route has taken them through many of the towns where children we support live, including Glossop, Buxton, Chesterfield, Alfreton, Belper, Heanor, Ilkeston, Spondon, Derby and Swadlincote.
The total distance of 102 miles also represents the journey from Derby to our holiday centre in Skegness – a journey that changes young lives every single week throughout the summer.
Many of you will remember that Stuart has supported us before, including walking from Blackpool to Derby and cycling to Skegness to raise funds.
Once again, he and Xavier have shown extraordinary commitment, tackling this latest challenge during one of the hottest weeks of the year.
Can you help them reach their target?
Their fundraising target is £2,000, and every pound raised will help provide free holidays for children who otherwise wouldn't get the opportunity to escape everyday challenges.
Your donation could help provide:
A child's transport to the seaside.
Nutritious home-cooked meals throughout their stay.
Activities that build confidence and friendships.
New experiences and memories that can last a lifetime.
A chance for a child to simply enjoy being a child.
No donation is too small. Every contribution moves Stuart and Xavier one step closer to their goal—and one step closer to changing another child's life.
Please sponsor Stuart and Xavier today by visiting:
www.justgiving.com/page/stuart-boon
If you're unable to donate, you can still make a huge difference by sharing their fundraising page with your family, friends and colleagues.
On behalf of everyone at Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre—and especially the children whose lives will be changed because of your generosity—thank you for supporting Stuart and Xavier on this incredible journey.
With sincere thanks from the Trustees and CEO of the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.
Since 1891, Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre has been giving children facing disadvantage the chance to enjoy a free holiday by the sea, creating memories, building confidence and inspiring brighter futures. ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
So heartwarming. I'm so proud of every step.
I just love to read all about the Holiday Centre I have so many memories of it I I can still see us playing and laughing just wish I could be more involved but after having a new knee and it’s not gone the way it should my walking is not good Very proud of you all Good luck xxx
And here we are, day 5 for Stuart Boon and Xavier Andrews in their MEGA-walk from Glossop to Swadlincote raising funds for the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre.
On day 1 they walked from Glossop to Buxton; day 2 they journeyed from Buxton and today, known as day 3 they’ve walked from Chesterfield to Belper via Alfreton and yesterday Belper to Derby via Kilburn, Ilkeston and Heanor. Today it’s Derby to Swadlincote via Ticknall and the fantastic The Staff of Life Hotel Ticknall who have kindly offered to provide lunch.
And all in this outrageous heat!
Although we can’t join them in their adventure we can see some of the wonderful places they’ve walked to and through. Derbyshire is such a beautiful county!
Thanks this morning to Shelley Karla at the Mrs C's Tea Cosy for an outstanding freshly cooked breakfast, amazing.
And thanks to Cllr Jonathan Smale our Mayor for the send off at the Market Hall and to Nadine Peatfield for walking with Stuart from Great Northern Classics Derby on Osmaston Road.
We can of course show support for their efforts by donating on their sponsorship page, a link is below
www.justgiving.com/page/stuart-boon#sharePage
We’re now 48% towards our £2000 target, let’s push the number higher, like the miles they’ve walked. After all it’s for a brilliant cause.
Thanks to the following for their support so far:-
Barbara Anne Hastings-Asatourian
Cllr Jonathan Smale
Cllr Katie Harris
Nadine Peatfield
Derby Uncovered
George and Dragon. Belper
Travelodge Chesterfield
Travelodge Glossop
The Palace Hotel Buxton
Marks and Spencer food hall - Glossop
Mrs C's Tea Cosy
Shelley Karla
Janine Marie
The Staff of Life Ticknal
Good luck Stuart in walking from Derby to Swadlincote via Ticknall today. See you at Morrisons in Swadlincote at 3pm. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
☀️ Shout out to our latest fundraising heroes! ☀️
We're so impressed with Stuart Boon and Xavier Andrews this week who are walking 102 miles around Derbyshire to raise money for us - IN THIS HEAT!
Stuart attended our centre in the 1990s and has never forgotten the happy memories he made while our guest.
He's done so much over the years to raise money and we're so grateful to him and Xavier for helping boost our fundraising this week.
Why 102 miles?
Well, this pair of friends are taking on a walk we're calling the 'Who Knew?' trail as it takes in lots of places in Derbyshire where we actually help disadvantaged children through our work.
They started out in Glossop and are taking in Buxton, Chesterfield, Belper, Ilkeston, Heanor, Alfreton, Derby and Swadlincote during their mammoth, epic walk!
There are lots of people we have to thank who have really supported this. Thanks to the following for their amazing support:
Marks and Spencer
Councillor Barbara Hastings-Asatourian for Whitfield
Travelodge Chesterfield
The George & Dragon, Belper
Nadine Peatfield
Cllr Jonathan Smale
Cllr Katie Harris
Listen out for Stuart and Xavier chatting on Derby ONE radio tomorrow about their walk. It should be any time after 11am.
Link to full story and link to donate to Stuart and Xavier's champion efforts in the comments below 🔽 ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
www.justgiving.com/page/stuart-boon
www.charitytoday.co.uk/friends-take-on-102-mile-walk-for-derbyshire-childrens-charity-after-it-pr...
Introducing our new centre manager!
We're delighted to introduce you to Nadine Bridgen who has joined us as our new centre manager.
Nadine kindly answered our Q&A so you can get to know her a little better.
Why did you get involved with the DCHC?
I've spent most of my career supporting children and families and believe every child deserves the chance to have fun, build confidence and make happy memories. Being part of DCHC allows me to help create those opportunities, which is something I'm incredibly passionate about.
What does your role involve?
As Centre manager, I observe the day-to-day running of the centre and support our fantastic team to make sure every child has a safe, enjoyable and memorable stay. No two days are the same, and that's one of the things I love most about the role.
Best moments?
I'm new to the role so my best moments are yet to come. I'm looking forward to welcoming the children, getting to know them and seeing the excitement on their faces as they make new friends and create memories they'll treasure.
Best thing about Skegness?
The coastline. I love being by the sea and the sense of peace it brings. Its the perfect place to relax, explore and reconnect with nature.
Coast or countryside?
Definitely the coast. You'll often find me walking along the beach, collecting shells and Hag stones, and enjoying a moment of calm by the sea. ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Brilliant news. 👍
Welcome Nadine, look forward to meeting you. 🌊🌅
Congratulations:-)
There’s a lot happening at the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre
You’ve no doubt seen a lot of fantastic news about our charity, it’s been a hectic few weeks. We’ve had our 135th Anniversary celebrations at the cathedral and last weekend at Repton.
As we enter into July there’s even more amazing things happening. I’m including them here with the relevant links in case anyone would like to join us and/or sponsor us so we can continue to provide holidays for disadvantaged children between 6 to 11 years old in Skegness.
Our events page is here dchc.org.uk/events/
Here’s some of the highlights taken from the page.
Tuesday 7th July to 12th July | The ‘Who Knew?’ walking tour with Stuart Boon and Xavier Andrews. 102 miles from Glossop to Swadlincote, an amazing journey that will travel through many of the towns and cities where our charity operates.
www.justgiving.com/page/stuart-boon
Sunday 2nd August 1.30pm | Open Gardens 9, Main Street, Horsley Woodhouse, Ilkeston Derbyshire,
DE7 6AU.
Sunday 9th August 12pm | Hot August Night 2026, Mickleover Sports Club, DE3 9FB
Saturday 5th September starts 930am | Turnditch and Windley Show, Meadow Farm, Windley and will commence with Horse & Pony events at 9.30 am.
Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th October | a maintenance weekend at Open day at the centre, Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre, 1, Scarborough Avenue, Skegness, Lincolnshire, PE25 2SZ
Monday 12th October from 7pm until 11pm | The Himalayan Gurkha restaurant, 80 Macklin Street, Derby, DE1 1LF.
derbyshirechildrensholidaycentre.beaconforms.com/form/b41703e8
Thank you everyone for your support, now’s the time to get behind Xavier and Stuart in their epic feat, however you can support them will be greatly appreciated.
Janine Marie
Simon Evans ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Paediatric First Aid Training – Limited Places Available
Do you work in a nursery, preschool or early years setting and need to gain or renew your Paediatric First Aid qualification?
We have a small number of places available on our upcoming course:
📅 Thursday 23rd July
🕙 10.00am – 5.00pm
📍 Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre, 1 Scarborough Avenue, Skegness
💷 £75 per person
This is a blended 2-day course, comprising:
✅ One day of online e-learning (completed beforehand at a time that suits you)
✅ One day of face-to-face practical training
You'll receive:
✔️ A 3-year Paediatric First Aid certificate
✔️ FAIB accredited qualification
✔️ Training delivered by an experienced, child-focused trainer
Whether you're starting a new role, renewing your qualification or ensuring your setting remains compliant, this is an excellent value course.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
📧 To book or find out more, email [email protected]. ... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available at the moment
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it, or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook