Volunteer - Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre

Volunteer With Us

Be part of something special. Change lives, one smile at a time.

Holiday Care Team Volunteers

By working directly with the children – offering encouragement, building trust, sharing experiences, and creating moments of joy – our volunteers play a vital role in helping each child get the very best from their time away. Care Team Volunteers ensure that every holiday is not just a break from routine, but a safe, supportive, and memorable experience that can build confidence, spark aspiration, and leave a lasting positive impact.  This opportunity is particularly relevant for students looking for residential opportunities to complete their Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. We have approved AAP status with the D of E scheme.  Please note: Holiday volunteers need to be over 18 as they are responsible for the supervision of children.  In a limited number of cases we can accommodate 17 year olds.

We need volunteers for our core holiday offer next year for the following dates –

Week 1 – Monday 25th to Friday 29th May (half term week)

Week 2 – Monday 27th to Friday 31st July

Week 3 – Monday 3rd to Friday 7th August

Week 4 – Monday 10th to Friday 14th August

Week 5 – Monday 17th to Friday 21st August

Week 6 – Monday 24th to Friday 28th August

Week 7 – Monday 26th to Friday 30th October (half term week)

No experience is needed – just kindness, energy, and a willingness to learn. Full training is provided.  All our Care Team Volunteers are DBS checked, interviewed and will need to provide two referees. 

Events Volunteers

Whether it’s helping at fundraising events, joining us at community fun days, or shaking a bucket at supermarket collections, every hour you give helps us raise vital funds for children’s holidays. It’s a great way to meet people, spread the word about our charity, and make a real difference – even if you only have a little time to spare.

As a volunteer for us you could gain:-

  • Teamwork & Leadership Skills
  • Communication & Confidence
  • Problem-Solving & Initiative
  • Safeguarding & Childcare Knowledge
  • Event & Fundraising Experience
  • References & Recognition

And you could also:-

  • Have an unforgettable week by the seaside
  • Join a community of like-minded people
  • Know you’ve changed a child’s life for the better

Upcoming events are shown below:

2026 dates

Saturday 18th April – 10am to 3pm; ASDA, Sinfin, Sinfin Shopping Centre, Arleston Lane, Sinfin, Derby, DE24 3DS; fundraising stall with collection tins

Saturday 9th May – Planes Trains and Automobiles, Family Fun Day with Motor Show at GNC, Osmaston Road, Derby, DE24 8AE.

Join us for an exciting day of engines, exhibits, and family fun!

🚗 Featuring the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club

🚂 Train display & simulator experience 🏎 Racing simulators & slot cars

🔥 Live Rolls-Royce Merlin engine fire-up 🚘 Vintage cars on display

🌭 Serving up delicious breakfasts, pizzas, nachos, hot dogs, sweet treats, and refreshing drinks!

🎟 Walk in Entry: £3 per person (Under 16s FREE)

🚗 Parking: £15 per car (includes entry for all passengers)

Tickets are available here using the link below:-

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986064812317?aff=oddtdtcreator

Saturday 9th May – VOLUNTEERS Training Day in Derby, venue to be confirmed.

Saturday 16th May – Cosy Bike & Hike is Derbyshire’s biggest multi-discipline fundraiser, supporting children’s holiday charities.

Choose from two events: Bike from Derby Arena to Skegness – 108 miles of scenic views, tasty snacks, and new friends; or hike from Derby Arena to Ashbourne, with a choice of either the full 20-mile route or a shorter 13-mile option through Derbyshire countryside and villages for a great day out.

Starts at Derby Arena, Royal Way, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8JB

https://www.cosybikeandhike.com/

Saturday 6th June – a community day at the Village Hall 7a Church Street, Kilburn, Belper, Derbyshire., DE56 0LU from 11am to 2pm.   

We’ll have a stall and a fun game for children and adults alike to participate in.

Sunday 7th June – The Chaddesden Big One Festival, Chaddesden Park, Derby, DE21 6LN.

Chaddesden’s summer family fun day returns with a great selection of stalls, food, dance displays, live entertainment, the return of the fantastic dog show plus a fun fair!

Come along to enjoy a tombola and our new game, Plinko, plus why not have a chat with the people at the gazebo about what we do, why and our plans for 2026 and beyond.

Saturday 13th June – 135th Anniversary Cathedral Celebration Service, Derby Cathedral, 18 – 19 Iron Gate, Derby, DE1 3GP

Sunday 28th June – Speech Day Summer event, marquee fundraising activity, afternoon tea with entertainment – more details to follow.

Tuesday 7th July to 12th July – The ‘Who Knew?’ walking tour with Stuart Boon and Xavier Andrews. A walk through Derbyshire by our two infamous supporters connecting through cities and towns where children come from that use the centre in Skegness – more details to follow.

Sunday 9th August – Hot August Night 2026,  Mickleover Sports Club, DE3 9FB

Enjoy live music from some of the UK’s top tribute acts and bands, performing all your favourite hits on our spectacular outdoor stage with stadium sound and big screens. Bring your own picnic or treat yourself to delicious food and drink from a wide variety of local vendors – the perfect way to soak up the summer atmosphere with family and friends. Under 4’s are free.

Saturday 5th September – Turnditch and Windley Show, Meadow Farm, Windley and will commence with Horse & Pony events at 9.30 am.

Come along for our tombola, raffle, Plinko and 100 squares nomination game.

Saturday 17th October – Open day at the centre, Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre, 1 Scarborough Avenue, Skegness, Lincolnshire, PE25 2SZ


Other Ways to Help

Not available to volunteer?

You can still support us:-

  • Host a yellow collection tin at your local shop or workplace

  • Organise a coffee morning or bake sale

  • Donate or collect raffle/tombola prizes

  • Introduce us to a local business that might sponsor an event

You can even help us from the comfort of home:-

🎟️ Join Derby Community Lottery – Choose DCHC as your charity and 50p from every £1 ticket comes to us:-
derbycommunitylottery.co.uk

🛍️ Use Easy Fundraising – Shop online and raise free donations for us:-
easyfundraising.org.uk