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CHICKS

CHICKS

CHICKS is a national children's charity which provides FREE respite breaks to disadvantaged children and young carers from all over the UK.CHICKS provides groups of 16 disadvantaged children with a week of fun and adventure at either one of our retreats in Devon or Cornwall where they enjoy what is often the first 'holiday' of their lives. Whilst at CHICKS children, aged between eight and 15, have the chance to relax, have fun, make new friends, spend time with positive role models all in a safe and supportive environment. During the week the children try new and exciting activities such as horse riding, swimming, body boarding and rock climbing which are designed to boost confidence and self esteem whilst most importantly, be fun. They also enjoy the green, wide open spaces, play games, enjoy arts and crafts, go to the cinema and enjoy home cooked meals together.The children we help are all disadvantaged; they may be young carers; they may be one of the 25% of children growing up in poverty in the UK today; they may be living in social services care or suffering abuse, neglect or bullying. Whatever their circumstances they would otherwise not get the chance to enjoy a break away from the stresses of their day to day lives where they can simply be, just children again.We provide breaks all year round (from March through to the December), each break supports 16 children and each year we help 1,200 children.   

Volunteer at CHICKS

Your chance to make a difference and give disadvantaged children the chance to be children. We need volunteers who are able to stay residentially for one week, get involved and be supportive role models for the children who attend.

  • Dartmoor in Devon or South Coast of Cornwall, United Kingdom
  • Opportunity has expired
  • Generalist
  • Part-time
  • Contract / Short-term
  • Social Impact
  • Entry Level
ABOUT

Childhood is such a precious time made memorable by smiles, laughter and fun experiences. Sadly, not all children will be fortunate enough to look back on their childhood in a positive light, that's where you can help!

Each week (Monday to Friday) CHICKS needs eight adult volunteers (four male and four female) to help us provide groups of 16 disadvantaged children with a week away at either of our beautiful retreats in the west country.

Three qualified CHICKS staff run the breaks however our aim is to provide a high adult to ratio to ensure that the children receive as much care, attention and support from positve adult role models throughout their stay as possible.

The role of the volunteer is to provide extra support, talk, listen and give time to the children; giving encouragemnet to a child who has low self esteem or providing reassurance to a child who may be scared or homesick.

During the weeks break the volunteer will stay at one of our residential centres, eat with the children, play with children, go horse riding, rocking climbing and swimming the children, be the childrens friend, have fun and generally help them have the time of their lives!

As one volunteer said: "I genuinely had the best week of my life. I have never smiled, laughed, been appreciated or cried so much before. I know that I made a significant positive impact on so many of the young people's lives even though I was only with them for one week. I discovered a wonderful sense of pride and passion I never thought possible." Hannah B