Why CHICKS is important

Key Statistics

• 1 in 4 children in England, Wales and Scotland lives in poverty, of which 16% live in persistent poverty. (1)
• There are just under 80,000 children and young people in public care on any given day in the UK. (2)
• At least 32,000 children in the UK are known to be at risk of abuse right now.(3)
• The UK has one of the worst rates of child poverty in the industrialised world.(4)
• 1 in 3 poor children miss out on toys, school trips and out of school activities.(4)
• Children from poor families are more likely to grow up socially excluded. (1)
• The most recent statistics show that there are 175,000 Young Carers in the UK.(5)
• “Poverty is the single greatest threat to the well-being of children and families. For most of these families [families living in poverty] a holiday remains a distant dream” (1)

One of the main benefits that the children receive from coming on a CHICKS break is the valuable and positive ‘time out’ that they can enjoy away from the stresses of their day to day lives. This may be from looking after a sick or disabled parent of sibling, away from the poor inner city areas or from situations of bullying or abuse.

CHICKS hopes that through the provision of the respite breaks, children who often feel ‘excluded’ can feel ‘included’. Maybe for the first time in their lives the children can feel special, cared for and worthy. The children are able to enjoy activities and experiences that in their normal circumstances are unavailable to them.

The fun packed days in which they take part in horse riding, body boarding and team games all hopefully boost the children’s confidence and self esteem, are great fun and allow the children to return home happier, with an improved sense of self worth and with some really positive childhood memories.

With the high adult to child ratio of 1:2, that CHICKS prides itself on, the children all benefit from lots of support, care, attention and encouragement throughout the week. The impact of time spent with positive adult role models is referred to time and again as a really important and valuable part of the breaks for the children.

The children are made to feel special and cared for. For some children, who have been let down by adults, it is important to feel, and gain trust again in adults, and have listening ear if they so need it.

1. Room for Improvement. Manifesto for Children – Barnardo’s, NSPCC, Save the Children, NCH, Children’s Society and other children’s charities. Feb 2005

2. www.thefostering.net/fostering/statistics.php March 2005

3. DfES (2005)Statistics of Education: Referrals, Assessments and Children and Young People on Child Protection Registers: Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (N.I.) (2005), National Assembly for Wales (2005)Local Authority Child Protection Registers: Scottish Executive (2005)Children's Social Work Statistics

4.www.ecpc.org.uk

5. Dearden, C & Becker, S. Young Carers in the UK. 2004 Report.