Day 3 at DCHC – Seaside Smiles, New Adventures & Growing Confidence!
What another fantastic day we’ve had in Skegness!
This morning the children made the most of the beach, splashing through the waves, sitting in the surprisingly warm sea, building in the sand and enjoying the freedom that only a day by the coast can bring. There were plenty of laughs, happy faces and even some kite flying as the sea breeze helped send them soaring across the sky.
Later, we visited the aquarium where everyone was fascinated by the incredible sea life. One of the highlights was watching the diver inside the huge tank waving and interacting with the children through the glass – a magical moment that had everyone smiling.
As part of our 5 Days to Thrive programme, kindly developed especially for us by Bridge the Gap CIC, today’s session focused on self-esteem. Together we explored what makes each of us unique and practised using positive affirmations, learning that the way we speak to ourselves matters just as much as the way we speak to others. The children created beautiful affirmation mirrors to take home as a reminder of just how amazing they are.
From jumping waves to growing confidence, today has been filled with fun, friendship and memories that will last long after the holiday ends.
Every smile you see is made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters and volunteers. Thank you for helping us give Derbyshire children the opportunity to thrive. 💙
#DCHC #ChildrensHolidayCentre #Skegness #5DaysToThrive #BridgeTheGapCIC #BuildingConfidence #MakingMemories #EveryChildDeservesAHoliday #SeasideSmiles #DerbyshireChildren
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2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Looks like everyone is having a great time. Brilliant photos. 👍
Such wonderful photos 💚💙💖💚💙💖
Holiday Update – Fun, Friendship and Learning by the Sea! 💙
What a fantastic start to another Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre adventure!
Yesterday, after arriving, unpacking and settling into the Centre, we headed straight down to Skegness Pier. The children were completely fascinated by the tiny gaps between the wooden boards where they could catch glimpses of the sea beneath their feet!
Of course, no visit to the pier would be complete without a stop at the famous 2p falls. There was plenty of excitement as everyone tried their luck. 😊
Today has been another brilliant day, with a trip to the beach followed by lots of fun at the open-air swimming pool. There have been smiles, laughter, splashing and plenty of happy memories being made.
But our holidays are about much more than just having fun.
Each day we take part in 5 Days to Thrive – a bespoke emotional wellbeing programme created especially for Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre by Bridge The Gap CIC.
Yesterday’s session explored friendship and what makes a good friend. The children shared ideas about kindness, trust, listening and supporting one another.
Today we focused on anger and other big emotions. Together we explored how anger can feel in our bodies, how to recognise the situations that trigger those feelings, and practical ways to calm ourselves when emotions arrive like a storm. One of today’s activities was making beautiful glitter shakers to help children pause, focus and regulate their emotions. Each child will be taking their glitter shaker home at the end of the week as a reminder of the coping strategies they’ve learned. ✨💙
Watching children grow in confidence, make new friendships, learn valuable life skills and simply enjoy being children is exactly why these holidays are so special.
Thank you to everyone who supports Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre and helps make these unforgettable experiences possible. ❤️
#DCHC #DerbyshireChildrensHolidayCentre #Skegness #5DaystoThrive #BridgeTheGapCIC #ChildrensCharity #EmotionalWellbeing #MakingMemories #Friendship #Resilience #HolidayMagic
... See MoreSee Less



4 CommentsComment on Facebook
I enjoyed all my holidays there when I was a kid .Mr and Mrs Smith and there dog Mr woo xx
Love that. The experiences you give the kids is just priceless. Corey cant wait to holiday with you again xx
What a brilliant way to teach children about life and to deal with problems when they arrive. Also a memorable time at the seaside which will stay with the children for the rest of their lives. Well done to you all who are over at Skegness. David and Ann.
WHAT A BRILLIANT WAY TO ENHANCE YOUR DONATIONS.
MULTIPLY THE MAGIC x4
Starting today and running for the next 12 weeks you can make 4 times the difference through a wonderful Crowdfunder.
Interested? Then let’s explain about how it works.
Thanks to the Mortgage Advice Bureau Foundation (MABF), every individual donation made on our Crowdfunder page will be tripled, which means your £10 donation would give £40 to Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre or a magic £25 donation generates £100 for our charity. The MABF will continue to do so until it reaches £5000 in donations.
Funding from the “Multiply the Magic: 4x Holiday Fund” will directly support the delivery of free, lifechanging seaside holidays for children across Derbyshire who are facing poverty, trauma, or challenging circumstances.
Specifically, the funding will be used to:
Provide fully funded 5-day residential holidays that will be covering
Accommodation
Food
Activities
Transport to our centre in Skegness from various locations in Derbyshire.
Ensure safe and high-quality care
Supporting trained staff and volunteers to deliver a safe, nurturing environment for every child.
We will deliver our ‘5 Days to Thrive’ programme, which is a structured social and emotional learning programme that builds confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.
We will able to provide enriching experiences and activities, including beach trips, creative activities, group challenges, and opportunities many children would not otherwise access.
Cover essential operational costs such as:-
Utilities, insurance, cleaning, laundry, and maintenance required to run each holiday safely and effectively.
Remove financial barriers for families
Ensuring that every place is free at the point of access, so no child misses out due to cost.
By clicking the link below you’ll be taken to the site and also be able to see our newly created video that puts a thousand words into pictures, we hope you like the video.
Thank you for your support; however you can support us we’ll be grateful.
... See MoreSee Less

Multiply the Magic: The 4x Holiday Fund
www.crowdfunder.co.uk
Funds from the “Multiply the Magic: 4x Holiday Fund” will directly support the delivery of free, lifechanging seaside holidays for children.1 CommentComment on Facebook
We are delighted to be able to support such an amazing project. Good luck to everyone involved.
☀️ We're all going on a summer holiday! ☀️
Here at the DCHC we're busy this week training up volunteers ready to give busloads of children a brilliant holiday this summer.
Next week our holidays begin again - hurrah!
Lots of children around Derbyshire are looking forward to having a break by the sea they otherwise wouldn't have had.
We're so grateful to everyone who has signed up to be a volunteer with us this year.
For anyone considering volunteering to help children in need of a break - here are some photos of our CEO Janine Marie Holmes and brilliant volunteers getting stuck in - looks fun doesn't it?
We can promise that volunteering with us in whatever capacity will provide you with a splashing time - and will be incredibly rewarding too.
Get in touch today if you can spare us any time - whether that's fundraising, supporting us, or signing up as a volunteer to help run our holidays.
You can reach out by emailing [email protected]
Thanks so much to the very talented Mark Averill from 'AV IT Media for these lovely photos - he's really brought our Skegness holidays to life.
... See MoreSee Less


0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Earlier this month two amazing supporters of Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre walked an amazing 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.
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.
Their walk was 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.
The route took them through many of the towns where children we support live, including Glossop, Buxton, Chesterfield, Alfreton, Belper, Heanor, Ilkeston, Spondon, Derby and Swadlincote.
By design the 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.
Once again, Stuart and Xavier have shown extraordinary commitment, tackling this latest challenge during one of the hottest weeks of the year.
So far they’ve raised £1,469 against a fundraising target of £2,000. Every pound raised will help provide free holidays for children who otherwise wouldn't get the opportunity to escape everyday challenges.
Can you help them to meet their target? If you can then 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 them today by visiting:
www.justgiving.com/page/stuart-boon#sharePage
If you're unable to donate, you can still make a huge difference by sharing their fundraising page.
On behalf of everyone at the charity and especially the children whose lives will be changed because of your generosity thank you for supporting Stuart and Xavier on this journey.
... See MoreSee Less


+4
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🤝Drum roll please - it's time to meet another member of the team! 🤝
This week's spotlight is shining on one of our new holiday activity leaders - meet Eloise Bevan
❓ Why did you get involved with the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre?
I got involved with DCHC because I wanted the opportunity to help create fun and memorable experiences for young people. Currently as a psychology student and a swimming teacher, I enjoy working as part of a team, meeting new people, and encouraging others to get involved in activities, so becoming an activity leader felt like the perfect role for me.
❓What does your role involve?
As an activity leader, my role involves organising and leading activities, making sure everyone feels included, creating a positive atmosphere, and ensuring everyone stays safe while having fun. It’s all about making the best memories over the summer!
❓Best moments?
This is my first time working with DCHC, so I don’t have a favourite moment just yet. However, I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone, seeing people enjoy the activities, and making lots of great memories together over the course of the trip.
❓Best thing about Skegness?
For me, the best thing about Skegness is the seaside atmosphere. There’s always something going on, whether it’s spending time on the beach, enjoying the fresh sea air, or taking part in activities by the coast.
❓Coast or countryside?
Definitely the coast! I love being by the sea, especially because I’m really into watersports. There’s nothing better than being in the water, whether it’s swimming or just enjoying time at the beach - I cannot wait to have a sandcastle competition!
... See MoreSee Less

2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Can people come and look round .I went when a child
Welcome Eloise and a huge thank you as someone who remembers the staff who looked after me as a child at ‘Skeggy Home’ you will certainly help make happy memories that last many years!!
Day 3 at DCHC – Seaside Smiles, New Adventures & Growing Confidence!
What another fantastic day we’ve had in Skegness!
This morning the children made the most of the beach, splashing through the waves, sitting in the surprisingly warm sea, building in the sand and enjoying the freedom that only a day by the coast can bring. There were plenty of laughs, happy faces and even some kite flying as the sea breeze helped send them soaring across the sky.
Later, we visited the aquarium where everyone was fascinated by the incredible sea life. One of the highlights was watching the diver inside the huge tank waving and interacting with the children through the glass – a magical moment that had everyone smiling.
As part of our 5 Days to Thrive programme, kindly developed especially for us by Bridge the Gap CIC, today’s session focused on self-esteem. Together we explored what makes each of us unique and practised using positive affirmations, learning that the way we speak to ourselves matters just as much as the way we speak to others. The children created beautiful affirmation mirrors to take home as a reminder of just how amazing they are.
From jumping waves to growing confidence, today has been filled with fun, friendship and memories that will last long after the holiday ends.
Every smile you see is made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters and volunteers. Thank you for helping us give Derbyshire children the opportunity to thrive. 💙
#DCHC #ChildrensHolidayCentre #Skegness #5DaysToThrive #BridgeTheGapCIC #BuildingConfidence #MakingMemories #EveryChildDeservesAHoliday #SeasideSmiles #DerbyshireChildren
... See MoreSee Less


+7
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Looks like everyone is having a great time. Brilliant photos. 👍
Such wonderful photos 💚💙💖💚💙💖
Holiday Update – Fun, Friendship and Learning by the Sea! 💙
What a fantastic start to another Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre adventure!
Yesterday, after arriving, unpacking and settling into the Centre, we headed straight down to Skegness Pier. The children were completely fascinated by the tiny gaps between the wooden boards where they could catch glimpses of the sea beneath their feet!
Of course, no visit to the pier would be complete without a stop at the famous 2p falls. There was plenty of excitement as everyone tried their luck. 😊
Today has been another brilliant day, with a trip to the beach followed by lots of fun at the open-air swimming pool. There have been smiles, laughter, splashing and plenty of happy memories being made.
But our holidays are about much more than just having fun.
Each day we take part in 5 Days to Thrive – a bespoke emotional wellbeing programme created especially for Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre by Bridge The Gap CIC.
Yesterday’s session explored friendship and what makes a good friend. The children shared ideas about kindness, trust, listening and supporting one another.
Today we focused on anger and other big emotions. Together we explored how anger can feel in our bodies, how to recognise the situations that trigger those feelings, and practical ways to calm ourselves when emotions arrive like a storm. One of today’s activities was making beautiful glitter shakers to help children pause, focus and regulate their emotions. Each child will be taking their glitter shaker home at the end of the week as a reminder of the coping strategies they’ve learned. ✨💙
Watching children grow in confidence, make new friendships, learn valuable life skills and simply enjoy being children is exactly why these holidays are so special.
Thank you to everyone who supports Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre and helps make these unforgettable experiences possible. ❤️
#DCHC #DerbyshireChildrensHolidayCentre #Skegness #5DaystoThrive #BridgeTheGapCIC #ChildrensCharity #EmotionalWellbeing #MakingMemories #Friendship #Resilience #HolidayMagic
... See MoreSee Less



4 CommentsComment on Facebook
I enjoyed all my holidays there when I was a kid .Mr and Mrs Smith and there dog Mr woo xx
Love that. The experiences you give the kids is just priceless. Corey cant wait to holiday with you again xx
What a brilliant way to teach children about life and to deal with problems when they arrive. Also a memorable time at the seaside which will stay with the children for the rest of their lives. Well done to you all who are over at Skegness. David and Ann.
WHAT A BRILLIANT WAY TO ENHANCE YOUR DONATIONS.
MULTIPLY THE MAGIC x4
Starting today and running for the next 12 weeks you can make 4 times the difference through a wonderful Crowdfunder.
Interested? Then let’s explain about how it works.
Thanks to the Mortgage Advice Bureau Foundation (MABF), every individual donation made on our Crowdfunder page will be tripled, which means your £10 donation would give £40 to Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre or a magic £25 donation generates £100 for our charity. The MABF will continue to do so until it reaches £5000 in donations.
Funding from the “Multiply the Magic: 4x Holiday Fund” will directly support the delivery of free, lifechanging seaside holidays for children across Derbyshire who are facing poverty, trauma, or challenging circumstances.
Specifically, the funding will be used to:
Provide fully funded 5-day residential holidays that will be covering
Accommodation
Food
Activities
Transport to our centre in Skegness from various locations in Derbyshire.
Ensure safe and high-quality care
Supporting trained staff and volunteers to deliver a safe, nurturing environment for every child.
We will deliver our ‘5 Days to Thrive’ programme, which is a structured social and emotional learning programme that builds confidence, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.
We will able to provide enriching experiences and activities, including beach trips, creative activities, group challenges, and opportunities many children would not otherwise access.
Cover essential operational costs such as:-
Utilities, insurance, cleaning, laundry, and maintenance required to run each holiday safely and effectively.
Remove financial barriers for families
Ensuring that every place is free at the point of access, so no child misses out due to cost.
By clicking the link below you’ll be taken to the site and also be able to see our newly created video that puts a thousand words into pictures, we hope you like the video.
Thank you for your support; however you can support us we’ll be grateful.
... See MoreSee Less

Multiply the Magic: The 4x Holiday Fund
www.crowdfunder.co.uk
Funds from the “Multiply the Magic: 4x Holiday Fund” will directly support the delivery of free, lifechanging seaside holidays for children.1 CommentComment on Facebook
We are delighted to be able to support such an amazing project. Good luck to everyone involved.
☀️ We're all going on a summer holiday! ☀️
Here at the DCHC we're busy this week training up volunteers ready to give busloads of children a brilliant holiday this summer.
Next week our holidays begin again - hurrah!
Lots of children around Derbyshire are looking forward to having a break by the sea they otherwise wouldn't have had.
We're so grateful to everyone who has signed up to be a volunteer with us this year.
For anyone considering volunteering to help children in need of a break - here are some photos of our CEO Janine Marie Holmes and brilliant volunteers getting stuck in - looks fun doesn't it?
We can promise that volunteering with us in whatever capacity will provide you with a splashing time - and will be incredibly rewarding too.
Get in touch today if you can spare us any time - whether that's fundraising, supporting us, or signing up as a volunteer to help run our holidays.
You can reach out by emailing [email protected]
Thanks so much to the very talented Mark Averill from 'AV IT Media for these lovely photos - he's really brought our Skegness holidays to life.
... See MoreSee Less


0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Earlier this month two amazing supporters of Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre walked an amazing 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.
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.
Their walk was 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.
The route took them through many of the towns where children we support live, including Glossop, Buxton, Chesterfield, Alfreton, Belper, Heanor, Ilkeston, Spondon, Derby and Swadlincote.
By design the 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.
Once again, Stuart and Xavier have shown extraordinary commitment, tackling this latest challenge during one of the hottest weeks of the year.
So far they’ve raised £1,469 against a fundraising target of £2,000. Every pound raised will help provide free holidays for children who otherwise wouldn't get the opportunity to escape everyday challenges.
Can you help them to meet their target? If you can then 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 them today by visiting:
www.justgiving.com/page/stuart-boon#sharePage
If you're unable to donate, you can still make a huge difference by sharing their fundraising page.
On behalf of everyone at the charity and especially the children whose lives will be changed because of your generosity thank you for supporting Stuart and Xavier on this journey.
... See MoreSee Less


+4
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🤝Drum roll please - it's time to meet another member of the team! 🤝
This week's spotlight is shining on one of our new holiday activity leaders - meet Eloise Bevan
❓ Why did you get involved with the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre?
I got involved with DCHC because I wanted the opportunity to help create fun and memorable experiences for young people. Currently as a psychology student and a swimming teacher, I enjoy working as part of a team, meeting new people, and encouraging others to get involved in activities, so becoming an activity leader felt like the perfect role for me.
❓What does your role involve?
As an activity leader, my role involves organising and leading activities, making sure everyone feels included, creating a positive atmosphere, and ensuring everyone stays safe while having fun. It’s all about making the best memories over the summer!
❓Best moments?
This is my first time working with DCHC, so I don’t have a favourite moment just yet. However, I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone, seeing people enjoy the activities, and making lots of great memories together over the course of the trip.
❓Best thing about Skegness?
For me, the best thing about Skegness is the seaside atmosphere. There’s always something going on, whether it’s spending time on the beach, enjoying the fresh sea air, or taking part in activities by the coast.
❓Coast or countryside?
Definitely the coast! I love being by the sea, especially because I’m really into watersports. There’s nothing better than being in the water, whether it’s swimming or just enjoying time at the beach - I cannot wait to have a sandcastle competition!
... See MoreSee Less

2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Can people come and look round .I went when a child
Welcome Eloise and a huge thank you as someone who remembers the staff who looked after me as a child at ‘Skeggy Home’ you will certainly help make happy memories that last many years!!




