This December our teams are planning a month of Christmas breaks at our Cornish and Derbyshire Centres for children whose wish is for a Christmas just like those in their imaginations. Each centre will be decked with lights and Christmas trees and the smell of the children’s first Christmas lunch will waft through the hallways.
On every break children whose home lives are riddled with worry, will pull their first crackers, turn their noses at steaming bowls of brussel sprouts and laugh at their new friends’ efforts to win at Monopoly.
As a teacher Claire Gill, Deputy Headteacher at Dee Point Primary School, has sent many children for breaks at Go Beyond, including at Christmas time, and has seen what a difference having the chance to feel the magic of a break can make.
“Each break allows children to simply ‘be children’, to be themselves and be free from any of the challenges and worries they face. The staff at the centres treat each child like their own which means the experiences leave them feeling valued and special. For the children referred to Go Beyond from my school, the opportunity to experience a totally different setting and immerse themselves in the countryside opens up a new world for them. They are often in awe of the beauty and peace surrounding each centre.
“It would be easy to underestimate the challenges some of these children face and the impact that trauma, caring responsibilities, poverty and mental health can have upon their emotional and physical well-being. Breaks like Go Beyond’s help to redress the balance and offer a much-needed break from their reality; re-setting and re-prioritising their needs.
“I am in a very priveleged position of seeing the impact of these breaks – it lasts years! From the magical moment that they find out they are going on a break to years later when they remember the activities, now connections made and feelings of hhappiness and joy – a Go Beyond break really does change lives.”
What happens on a Christmas break
Day One
The magic begins when Go Beyond’s Break Leaders and volunteers welcome sixteen children from all across the country to the warmth of our centres in Cornwall and Derbyshire. The children begin their stay with some games to help them get to know one another, and a tour of their festive home for the next five days, complete with a stop to check the chimney’s all clear!
Day Two
First things first on a Go Beyond Christmas break…time to decorate the tree! That’s before heading to the shops to buy a Secret Santa gift for the new friends the children shared secrets with last night. Then on to a local pantomime! For many children a pantomime will mark their first ever trip to the theatre. Our Break Leaders and volunteers will beam as the children’s faces fill with wonder.
Day Three
Time to get wrapped up warm for a walk in the beautiful surroundings of our centres; either a walk along the beach or through the riverside valleys of the Peak District. Then home for a hot chocolate and movie snuggled under thick blankets. Time to rest and get cosy together.
Day Four
Full steam ahead for the Arts and Crafts Barn where it’s time to make Christmas goodies to take home to friends and family. Followed by the ultimate Christmas dinner…turkey and stuffing, crackers and bad jokes, brussel sprouts and Christmas pudding! Then an afternoon of
board games.
Day Five
Once packed up, a celebration of all the memories made with new friends.
A Christmas to remember
Thanks to your donations, each child will return home with gifts that will last a lifetime.
81% increased resilience
81% increased confidence
87% enjoyed spending time outdoors
83% felt calm, relaxed and in a good mood
Statistics collected from January – September 2022
