Tauhida never left the estate on which she lives. As one of three children living with Mum and Dad below the poverty line in a two-bedroom flat and with a five year old brother with autism, there was no chance of a break anytime soon. Then CHICKS came along.

"Going to CHICKS, it was hard to leave home at first, I was very nervous, but when I got there and met everyone it was great. I don't do any activities at home, so all of the activities at CHICKS were my favourites! I made lots of friends at camp! The volunteers were all fantastic and very playful of course! They never shouted, they were always nice and kind and they remembered all of our names. I loved nights because I really liked the comfy bunk beds and we had the light on so it wasn't scary.

When I got home I was sad. I wanted to stay forever, I didn't want to go back to the over-crowding at home."

Tauhida was amazed that people had taken the time to be with her, to care about her and give her space to be herself. She was incredibly grateful. It was so moving to hear a child saying thank you for the opportunities that so many children are fortunate enough to take for granted - the opportunity to simply play, make friends, run around outdoors and try new things. As Tauhida herself said, "Children need to have fun."

Its clear that Tauhida's Mum was also very grateful for the break her daughter had. "Sadly we can't afford a holiday, we have an autistic son and we have money worries. The break for Tauhida came at a really good time. It enabled her just to have some fun. It was lovely. I'm very grateful to CHICKS for making it possible."

Meeting Tauhida was incredible. Not every CHICKS story is about terrible abuse or bereavement, although many are. Some, like Tauhida's, are about loving families who just need a break from very, very difficult circumstances. Tauhida lit up the room and drew smiles wherever she went around the school, her amazement and gratitude that someone should want to make time just for her was both moving and humbling.

I mentioned that the experience had been almost overwhelming, and meeting Tauhida certainly was wonderful, but so was meeting the rest of the children. As soon as they knew I was from CHICKS I was mobbed! So many happy, smiling faces approached me to say that they'd been to CHICKS or were about to go. It seemed the whole school had been touched by the work we do.

I travelled to meet some CHICKS kids on home soil at their local community centre – it was a real eye opener and I believe it's important to understand the CHICKS children's backgrounds and why your donations are so crucial and do make a difference. 

Tracey is Sammy Jo, Shantelle and Jordan's Mum and was happy to share their story with you. 

All four of her children have benefitted from a CHICKS break – Tracy told me how she could never provide one day of the activities for one of her children, let alone a week, without CHICKS Sammy Jo, Shantelle and Jordan would not have the chance of a break from home.

Home is really tough, after 10 years of waiting heating was finally installed this year, Tracy explained how up until now every winter they used to bring her mattress down and all sleep in the front room. This was tricky as a third of that room had no floor boards so they couldn't use that end. It really took it out of her with all the children crying and constantly getting ill, this is especially difficult for Shantelle as she was born with two holes in her heart, when the family get sick Shantelle can not stay at home, she doesn't have enough anti bodies to fight infection, thankfully as she gets older her health does improve. The installation on electricity has also hugely modified their home.

The toilet was recently fixed, but where the old one had leaked for so many years the floor boards gave way leaving a massive hole in the ceiling above the front door, this still hasn't been fixed. As their home is in such a bad way the council simply do not have the funds to help Tracy.

They did provide a new back door as they kept getting broken into, but the door that was fitted was too small, so Tracy puts the freezer there so people can't get in through the gap. 

Life has always been tough for Tracy and the kids. Growing up they constantly witnessed their father's domestic violent against Tracy, although he never hurt them physically it went on for years and it has obviously affected them all. They were moved by the police so he couldn't find them, years on he did start having contact again once his life changed and he was monitored when with them and had them every weekend, then it went to once a month and he has said he hasn't got time so sees them as and when he can be bothered. He used to keep breaking in through the girls bedroom windows so they now have locks, even though this is against health and safety it is the only way to protect them.

CHICKS provides Tracy's children to have a break of their own, to build happy memories and gives Tracy time at home with the children one on one. Shantelle never gets any attention being the eldest still living at home, she never moans and always does what she's told and consequently gets no attention and Tracy is aware of this and loves the fact Shantelle gets time away and a chance to be a child for a change, it is crucial for her development. Having met Sammy Jo and Shantelle they all have so much to offer and CHICKS has aided their development so much. 

Tracy said they love it on camp and are constantly asking to go, they know they will get to be special just once a year, she promptly said all her kids are special, but that time is just for them and CHICKS make a fuss of them, no other worries or home stresses. Tracy said they all go with problems and the team at CHICKS always help them to deal over the respite and come home a little lighter.

Sammy-Jo's Thoughts on Camp

 
The thing Sammy Jo most loves about CHICKS is meeting new friends, she keeps in touch by writing to them and made one special friend on camp. I asked what was so special about Sophie and Sammy Jo explained how she gets nervous before going and how Sophie played with her and helped her when she felt quiet. 

Sammy Jo's favourite activity is horse riding. Overall Sammy Jo said she loves CHICKS because its fun and she make news friends.

These are just two of the children we have helped - there are thousands more...

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