Volunteer

Volunteer With Us

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

What we're looking for in a volunteer

We’re looking for enthusiastic, reliable people who want to make a difference in children’s lives.

  • Support children on their seaside holiday
  • Help run fun activities, games and trips
  • Get involved with fundraising events and campaigns
  • Be a role model and a friendly face

No experience is needed – just kindness, energy, and a willingness to learn.  Training, induction and safeguarding checks are provided.

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.

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 include:

2026 dates

Wednesday 4th February starts 6pm – VOLUNTEERS engagement event at Safe and Sound on Bold Lane, Derby, DE1 3NT

Saturday 14th February runs from 1.15pm until 3pm – VOLUNTEERS bucket collection at Pride Park prior to the game with Derby County Football Club playing Swansea City, Pride Park Stadium, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8XL

Saturday 21st February – 7pm to 12.30am. Kerry Anderson’s Charity Fundraising Ball at Pride Park Toyota Stadium, Pride Park Stadium, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8XL:-

Tickets: £75 per person
At least £35 from each ticket will go directly to the DCHC and Treetops

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thebeyoufundraisingball/1923564

Tuesday 3rd March starts at 6pm – VOLUNTEERS engagement event at Safe and Sound on Bold Lane, Derby, DE1 3NT

Thursday 5th March – An Evening with Devon Malcolm at Ashbourne Sporting Pavilion, Cokayne Avenue, Ashbourne, DE6 1EJ

Thursday 12th March Ladies’ Pop-Up Shop & Fun Fashion Show Doors open 6.30pm | Show starts 7pm.

🛍️ Shop your favourite high street brands
💸 Up to 70% OFF
🥂 £10 ticket includes a glass of prosecco or fizz
🎟️ Raffle with fabulous prizes

Tickets £10 including a glass of prosecco. Fashion, Health & Beauty Evening at Derby Conference Centre, London Road, Derby DE24 8UX

Book Your Place Here

Saturday 14th March – Mayor of Amber Valley Steve Marshall-Clarke’s Civic Meal at Horsley Lodge, Smalley Mill Road, Horsley, Derby, DE21 5BL

Sunday 15th March –  the Derby 10K returns — and we’re inviting our supporters, corporate partners and local businesses to run for Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.
By signing up as a charity runner, you can benefit from a reduced entry fee and turn your run into something truly life-changing for children across Derbyshire who need positive experiences most.

Sign up here for the run https://derbycountycommunitytrust.com/what-we-do/derby-10k-run/

Sign up here to set up your own JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/charity/dchc

Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd March – VOLUNTEERS | Centre Maintenance Weekend. Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre, 1 Scarborough Avenue, Skegness, Lincolnshire, PE25 2SZ

This event spans many days you can come for the duration or a few hours, that’s up to you!

Thursday and Friday are primarily intended for Corporate volunteers who can use their two volunteering days.

Saturday and Sunday is more for all comers, whether Corporate volunteer or someone who just wants to help us and be volunteering with us we’ll welcome you all.

Friday 10th April 7pm Kathy’s Song | A celebration of Simon and Garfunkel at BELPER TOWN FC  –  Christchurch Meadow, Raygar Stadium, Bridge Street, Belper, DE56 1BA.

Price per ticket £15.00 with a charity raffle on the night.

This event is a unique one, showcasing Kathy’s Song who offer a mix of narration about the life of Paul Simon, his songs and his rise to stardom and time in one of the all time best duos when he joined Art Garfunkel. A truly wonderful evening awaits and whilst you have fun you’re helping to raise funds for the Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre in Skegness.

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

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

Saturday 16th May – COSY Bike and Hike for Derby Kids Camp and DCHC, cycle to Skegness or walk to Ashbourne from Derby. Starts at Derby Arena, Royal Way, Pride Park, Derby, DE24 8JB

https://www.cosybikeandhike.com/

Sunday 31st May – Chaddesden Big One Festival, Chaddesden Park, Derby, DE21 6LN (date is to be confirmed)

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 

Sunday 26th July – Denby Pottery Village Fete,  Derby Road, Denby DE5 8NX (to be confirmed)

Sunday 9th – 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 & Windley Show,  (to be confirmed)

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

Even if you’ve never volunteered before—don’t worry. If you’re friendly, positive, and happy to muck in, we’ll support you all the way.


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