DCHC is a charity which was established in 1891 to provide disadvantaged Derbyshire children with holidays in Skegness, Lincolnshire. At the present time it provides 450 holiday places per season.

The residential experience provides endless opportunity for contributing to the personal and social development of the children, especially making it clear to them that they are accepted as worthwhile individuals. The development of the children's self-esteem, attitudes and behaviour can be significant during the period.

Opportunities for personal development are created for the children, whatever their strengths and abilities. For many children the relationships gained remain with them throughout their lives.

Aiming to provide exciting, happy and memorable holidays for the children in a safe and structured environment. The Centre provides attractive and comfortable surroundings for the children which includes the following facilities:

• Bedrooms of varying sizes
• Modern bathrooms with shower facilities
• TV Lounge
• Art and Craft Room
• Games Room
• Large Sports hall / Theatre
• Laundry room
• Dining Room with main kitchen
• Outside Barbecue

Who comes to the Centre?

We accept Derbyshire boys and girls of all backgrounds, race, creed, colour, ethnic or national origin.

Who looks after the children?

The Centre management team is led by two Care Team Leaders who have many years of child care experience. They lead two care teams together with house and domestic staff. The staff take pride in the Centre and the quality of the experience it offers to the children.

Due to the small size of each group, staff membersare able to provide a very high level of care, being on hand to provide guidance and reassurance 24 hours a day with the safety of the children being of paramount importance to all members of staff.

Can you tell us more about the children?

The Centre offers places to both boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 14 years, and the Trustees consider providing a holiday break in the following circumstances:

• Financial constraints which will restrict a child's chances of having a holiday within the following 12 months.
• The situation at home is such that a short break away from the home environment would be beneficial to the child.
• A break for the child would help the parents/carers to provide an improved environment at home.
• Special circumstances are creating difficulties at home (for example, bereavement).

How do the children travel to Skegness?

The children travel by the DCHC minibus to and from Skegness weekly, accompanied on both journeys by Centre staff.   The weekly trips, from pre-arranged county wide locations,  are arranged to ensure that children throughout Derbyshire have the opportunity of a holiday at the Centre. 

The minibus is central to the centre’s operations, covering a considerable mileage each year between Derbyshire and Skegness and providing transport for all external activities. The minibus covers all Health & Safety requirements and is operated by members of staff inducted into all Health & Safety and emergency procedures. The vehicle is equipped to maintain contact with the centre and emergency services.

What kind of food is provided?

We provide a large variety of meals with a balanced nutritional diet which we know children usually enjoy. Mealtimes are an important part of each day's events. We do, of course, provide meals for children needing special diets.

What do children do at DCHC?

The Centre's facilities allow a large range of indoor and outdoor activities to be provided. The programme will vary according to circumstances and the time of the year, but visits may include:
 

• Mablethorpe
• Natureland
• Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve
• Hardy's Animal Farm
• Ten Pin Bowling
• Coastal Walks
• Butlins
• Swimming
• Snipe Dale's Picnic Area
• Embassy Theatre

and of course there is the ever popular Beach

Transport for all travel requirements is provided by the DCHC minibus

The programme with the centre includes:

• Arts & Crafts
• Sports Hall activities
• Theatre and Entertainment productions
• Games including pool, video, computer and bagatelle
• Ball games
• Barbecues
• Discos