CHICKS

CHICKS is a national charity providing free, week-long respite breaks for hundreds of children and young people living in desperately difficult circumstances across the UK.

From retreats in the South West and Derbyshire, children and young people aged 8-15 who are living in poverty, suffering the effects of bullying, abuse or bereavement or coping with the responsibilities of being carers are given the chance to escape their worries and pressures. The chance to have adventures, create memories and find their confidence.

On a week-long respite break, they will enjoy new experiences and challenge themselves, trying out new activities such as horse-riding or rock climbing, as well as enjoying time in the beautiful, natural environments around each CHICKS’ retreat. For some the week will mean a break from full-time caring responsibilities or the chance to escape the effects of bullying or abuse, for others it will be the chance to heal following the loss of a loved one or experience their first ever holiday; see the sea for the first time, taste a marshmallow toasted on an open fire, or simply read a bedtime story.

For the children and young people supported by CHICKS, their break imparts new confidence, nurtures self-esteem, makes happy memories and sparks new enthusiasm for life. But it doesn’t end at the break. Each child receives a Memory Bag to take home, containing precious mementos from the week.

Established in 1992, CHICKS has provided a much needed respite break to more than 16,000 children aged 8-15. CHICKS relies solely on the generosity of supporters to fund its vital work and needs to raise £1.7m every year to continue providing its services.

Learn more here: https://www.chicks.org.uk

Why not volunteer to support CHICKS at festivals?