Tuesday, 01 November 2011 11:16

The children at CHICKS have enjoyed six days of fabulous activities and special events to celebrate our 9000th child coming on camp since we began in 1992.

Tango Camp, which started on Thursday 27th October and finishes today, Tuesday 1st November have enjoyed horse riding, spooky Halloween games and an extra treat as they enjoyed an exclusive session on the Ice in the centre of Plymouth with the Ice Angels. For most children this was the first time they had experienced ice skating and some took to it like ducks to water! Please find a photo attached – we have several fantastic shots, should anymore be required.

Every child that attends a CHICKS break has a deserving story as to why they need time away from their tough home lives. On Tango camp we have children who have been neglected, witnessed domestic abuse, suffered emotional abuse and live in severe poverty.

One little girl's Mum died in May this year, her Mum suffered from severe physical health issues which left her disabled. Now living with her father, life has not improved as he neglects her and suffers from depression himself. This has resulted in her suffering from low self esteem and poor social skills. She has said she is scared and confused about what her future holds. Another girl's father threatened to shoot her and physically attacked her Mum in front of her. He also threatens suicide regularly and was once found hanging in the garage, he emotionally abuses her, blaming her for all that is wrong in his life. Earlier this year she lived in a Women's Refugee with her siblings and Mother. On top of this her close friend died last year, she said she always feels lonely – a 15 year old should never have to deal with this.

Both of the girls had the most incredible week at CHICKS, watching them on the Ice you could see their confidence growing every time they did a loop around the Rink. Ellie told me: "I have loved it at CHICKS, it's the most fun thing that I've ever done. At the ice rink I loved spending time with everyone; I was really shy at first, but got better and better. I've made some new friends – the best friends ever, I'll definitely write to everyone."

As you can see after their six day break CHICKS will continue too make an impact. To date we have received over 920 letters – this can be a real life line to some children who have no one at home who wants to listen to them.

Here are a few more quotes from the children at the Ice Rink on Monday, Zeb "I've never been ice skating before", Kellee "I want to be an ice dancer when I'm older", Josh "This has been my favourite part of the week" and Stephanie "My three favourite things of this week are horse riding, laser quest and ice skating".

Every child will leave CHICKS with happy memories, new skills and new friends. They will return home knowing that someone cares and that life has more to offer them then what it has done so far. 

9000 disadvantaged children - thousands of happy childhood memories.

For further information please contact Leila Nottage, Head of PR and Communications on 01822 811118 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Future events

Christmas Present Wrapping at our Coastal Retreat in Tywardreath – Thursday 8th December.

Our FIRST EVER Christmas Camp from the 22nd December – 27th December at both our Moorland and Costal Retreats with events in Plymouth and many surrounding areas.

ENDS

01/11/2011

Notes for Editors:

1, CHICKS was founded in 1992. Our aim is to provide disadvantaged children from across the UK with a free respite break.

2, In 2011 we aim to give 1,200 disadvantaged children a much needed break.

3, We have two retreats in the South West and our breaks run from March to December.

4, The children CHICKS care for come from a variety of backgrounds. Many have been abused, live in poverty, or have been neglected. Others live in care or are themselves young carers, often bearing the extraordinary responsibility of caring for disabled or terminally ill relatives. What they have in common is the desperate need to create some positive childhood memories, to be listened to, and to have the kind of fun that all children deserve.

5, In October 2011 CHICKS celebrated taking their 9000th child on camp since they began in 1992 - a huge landmark they are very proud of and could not of reached without amazing supporters. The charity receives no government funding and relies solely on the generosity of individuals, organizations, community groups, trusts and foundations. Help them to reach more children every year.

6, At CHICKS children can run free and be completely safe. Every child gets the total attention of CHICKS fully trained supervisors, and are made to feel cared for and valued.

*           We request that journalists include the website in all reporting www.chicks.org.uk
*           We request that journalists refer to CHICKS breaks as respite breaks and not holidays
*           If you require photographs please use the contact details below 

Contact:

Leila Nottage
Head of PR and Communications

t:          01822 811118
e:         This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
m:        07789 642915
w:         chicks.org.uk
f:          facebook.com/chickscharity
t:          twitter.com/CHICKScharity 

Registered Charity in England and Wales (1080953) and in Scotland (SCO40536)