1891
Established
29
Schools in 2024
368
Holidays in 2024
Welcome to Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre
Since 1891, Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre has given children facing challenging circumstances in their daily lives, the chance to experience something many of us take for granted – a holiday by the sea. We are a small but determined Derbyshire charity with a big impact, built on the belief that every child deserves joy, adventure, and memories to cherish.
Why we do what we do
Too many children in Derbyshire are growing up in poverty or difficult circumstances. Many will never enjoy a holiday, feel sand between their toes, or experience carefree time away from daily struggles. These missed opportunities don’t just take away fun – they limit confidence, wellbeing, and hope for the future.
What we do about it
We provide free, fully supported seaside holidays at our centre in Skegness. Here, children are cared for by our dedicated staff and volunteers, enjoy good food, laughter, trips to the beach, and activities that nurture their confidence, resilience, and friendships. These holidays give children a break from challenges at home and the chance to return happier, more confident, and ready to thrive.
Why we’re needed
For many children, this is their very first holiday. The difference is lasting – they come home with memories, smiles, and a sense that they matter. With rising child poverty, our work is more needed now than ever.
How you can help change a child’s life
Donate – just £380 funds a holiday for one child. Donate using either our ‘Go Fund Me‘ or ‘Just Giving‘ appeal pages
Fundraise – take on a challenge, hold an event, or join one of our campaigns.
Volunteer – give your time at our centre or support us locally. Email: [email protected]
Partner with us – schools, businesses, and community groups can work with us to bring hope to children.
Connect & share with others – Follow our journey on socialmedia as we plan for a brighter future. Share our mission and story to help us raise awareness.
- Share your story – Have you or a close family member visited our Centre for a holiday? Share your story with us – we would love to hear from you! Email us [email protected]Come along and join in – Look at our events page to see what’s going on, where and when, come along, have a chat about what we are up to and how you might be able to help.
Together, we can continue to make a lasting difference in their lives. Every contribution, big or small, creates brighter futures for Derbyshire’s children.
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Join Us in Making a Difference: The Comeback Appeal 2026
For over 130 years, we’ve been offering children the chance to create cherished memories, build confidence, and enjoy the magic of a seaside break. These holidays provide so much more than fun—they offer a vital boost to the well-being of children who need it most. But rising costs have been no secret and so we have taken the decision to pause holidays at our centre in 2025, with the aim of coming back bigger and stronger in 2026.
So the goal of our 'Comeback Appeal' is to raise £75,000 to bring back our life-changing holidays to disadvantaged children in Derbyshire and spread joy and hope to even more children in 2026.
This year, we need your help to make this possible. By contributing to The Comeback Appeal, you’ll be helping us bring sunshine back into the lives of children who might not otherwise experience a holiday.
Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to giving these children the gift of happiness, hope, and unforgettable memories.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and support for this cause that means so much to all of us. Together, we can make 2026 a year to remember for Derbyshire’s children.
Let’s make the comeback stronger than ever.
👀 It's that time of the week again ...
Yes, it's time to meet another member of our wonderful, hard-working DCHC family.
Today we meet our trustee of more than ten years - John Lake!
❓ Why did you get involved with the DCHC?
The previous Chairman Bill Tomlinson encouraged me to become a Trustee in 2014. At the time, I was aware of DCHC and after learning more about it from Bill, I was convinced that I wanted to be part of the team – it is such a fantastic cause.
❓What does your role involve?
As a Trustee, I am responsible for overseeing all aspects of the charity, helping to ensure that it fulfils its objectives of helping disadvantaged Derbyshire children, in a financially viable way. I have assisted with any property-related issues over the years but more recently have been heavily involved in plans to future-proof the Skegness home. Our team of Trustees continues to evolve and it is extremely positive to now work alongside colleagues who stayed at the Skegness home as children.
❓Best moments?
Receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2015 and Princess Anne’s visit to the home in Skegness in 2016 were very proud occasions for all associated with DCHC. From a personal point of view, the announcement that we would be reopening in 2026 was a great moment. Seeing the children enjoying themselves, under the excellent guidance of Centre Manager Ali Byerley and knowing that the experience could potentially change their lives in the future, makes it all worthwhile.
❓Best thing about Skegness?
Apart from the DCHC home, I would have to say a walk on the beach in the bracing fresh air.
❓Coast or countryside?
Derbyshire is such a beautiful county and I am very proud to live here; however, I do also enjoy holidays by the sea. It’s a close call but the countryside just wins it for me. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
It’s great to have you on the team. Thanks for all the things you do for the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre
Day 2 and we’re off to an amazing start!
Thank you to everyone who has donated and shared so far.
There’s still a whole week left to have your gift DOUBLED: donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000006X80AYAS
Let’s keep the momentum going!
#BigGive #christmaschallenge ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🚀 We’re LIVE!
From now until 12pm on 9 December, every donation to Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre will be DOUBLED through the Big Give #ChristmasChallenge.
This means twice the impact, twice the care, twice the safe nights for Derbyshire children who need us.
👉 Donate now: donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000006X80AYAS
Nags Head Belper The Needles Pub Rotary Amber Valley Rotary Club of Long Eaton - RCLE Rotary Club of Derby South Derby Daybreak Rotary Club @Rayburn Tours Pentagon Vauxhall SC Travel Amber Valley Borough Council Catherine Atkinson Engineered Learning Ltd East Midlands Chamber - Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire Himalayan Gurkha Restaurant (Derby) LEAD I.T Services ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
The Needles Pub, Alvaston
For one week, The Big Give Christmas Challenge will double all donations made online to help give children a break ... See MoreSee Less
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🚀 We launch TOMORROW!
From 12pm tomorrow until 12pm on 9 December, every donation to DCHC will be doubled by The Big Give and our matched funding champion donor!
Your support could give twice as many children a safe, warm place to sleep when we reopen in 2026.
Get ready to make your gift go further! 💛
Bookmark for tomorrow! donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000006X80AYAS
#BigGive #ChristmasChallenge ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
"One donation = double the difference. Support Derbyshire children this Christmas through The Big Give, 2–9 December. Proud to back DCHC" I’ll definitely be donating!
✨ Two days to go!✨
From 2–9 December, online donations to DCHC will be DOUBLED through the Big Give #ChristmasChallenge.
Your support could give twice as many Derbyshire children a safe bed and a brighter start.
Let’s do this together. 💛
Bookmark this page! donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000006X80AYAS ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
This is fantastic news for the Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre and it will make a massive difference to 2026 when we reopen the centre for children to come along and have a well deserved 5 day break.