Wednesday, 29 February 2012 13:01

20 Years of Magical Memories

2012 is a big year for children's charity CHICKS as it marks their 20th Anniversary. The charity who provide free respite breaks to disadvantaged children from across the UK, have given over 9000 children a free break in the countryside at one of their Retreats in Devon or Cornwall since they began in 1992.

To mark the occasion they have celebrations throughout the year kicking off with their first camps of the season on the 5th – 9th March. Both Retreats will open their doors to 32 children all in need of a break. Children like Amelia...

Amelia is 8 years old. She has witnessed domestic abuse on several occasions against her mother. She has a particularly difficult relationship with her Mum who always describes Amelia in a negative way; she even told her social worker that she never bonded with Amelia as she reminds her of her abusive ex partner. It is felt that Amelia would really benefit from some time away from home, time to gain positive experiences with children her own age and activities that she will never have experienced before.

Another little girl called Hannah, 9 yrs, will also benefit from a break. She has just been placed on a Child Protection Plan. Both parents have a history of substance misuse and this has lead to domestic abuse, a lot of which Hannah has seen and heard. Her school attendance has decrease and she is being bullied. As a result she has low self-esteem and she struggles to deal with her parent's abusive relationship. We will also be welcoming Jay to CHICKS. Jay shares a room with his older brother who has behavioural problems and bullies him. This causes Jay to get anxious and worried. He is very shy and his family are incredibly isolated. Jay has been sexually abused. Time away from his home life will really benefit Jay; it will build his confidence and self-esteem.

That's just three of the children in need – the camps will have children from all walks of life suffering from severe poverty, emotional, physical and sexual abuse, neglect, bullying and rape to name but a few. This year we want 1,200 underprivileged children all with their own deserving story to experience a CHICKS break.

For 20 years CHICKS have helped children to gain their confidence, experience activities they would never have had the opportunity to try before, make new and lasting friendships, build trust and believe in people.

This year is going to be incredibly tough for the charity and they need as much support as possible. To get involved visit www.chicks.org.uk

Press Call: If you would like to bring a photographer and chat to the children about their CHICKS experience during the 5th – 9th March please contact me on 01822 811118 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Activities include horse riding, climbing, team games and an adventure park.

After our first camps we will send a follow up press release with photos.

20th Year Celebrations: 5th – 9th March Camps begin | Music Nights | Bungee Jumps | Skydives 18th August in Cornwall, Scotland and Wiltshire | 20th Birthday Ball and so much more... check our website for details.

ENDS
28/02/2012

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 2012 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 more 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)