Overview
5-day residential respite break
CHICKS is a registered charity that provides free respite breaks for disadvantaged children from across the UK. A CHICKS break inspires new confidence and gives these children the chance to have fun, try new things and form positive childhood memories. We live by our own signature – giving the children the Gift of Hope, teaching the children that they can achieve anything and reach what may seem like impossible goals.
The five-day breaks give children a chance get involved in a number of exciting activities and positive experiences at our Devon, Cornwall and Derbyshire retreats. The beautiful views and large grounds mean there is plenty of space to run about. We have converted barns full of trampolines, basketball nets, pool tables and table tennis. Inside the house we have more games, a music centre and art & craft areas where face painting, baking and other fun things take place! Each week is different at CHICKS. Children have a chance to go horse-riding, kayaking, climbing to name a few, and will always experience lots of fun team games and tasty home-cooked dinners - making incredible memories every day.
Times and availability
Mid-Monday through to Mid-Friday. (March to November)
Contact
Parking facilities available
No wheelchair access
Referral
In order to refer a child for a free CHICKS break you will need to complete the Child Referral Form which can be found on our website and click 'Submit Form' after completion. Once we have receieved your form a member of the Coordination Team will be in contact to discuss the child's case in more detail and suitable break dates will be discussed. The CHICKS Coordination Team will allocate spaces once a referral has been made. Bookings are made according to availability and criteria.
Children are referred to CHICKS for many reasons and situations; from being young carers to those who are living in poverty, subject to abuse, and any other situation that causes the child to have a tough time at home. We can also accept children who are on the child protection register or children who have attended CHICKS before (but not in the same year)