News

New charity shop and cafe in Exeter now open

We are delighted to announce that our second UK charity shop is now open in Exeter, complete with a café selling hot and cold drinks and refreshments. The shop, which is located on Fore Street in Heavitree, follows the opening of our first shop on Union Street, Torquay in November 2018. The opening is part of a national […]

Making special memories at CHICKS

Last year, CHICKS gave more than 700 children living in some of the UK's most desperately difficult circumstances the chance for a break; time to be free from the routine of everyday life, to relax, explore, smile and have fun. Afterwards, they left our retreats with an album full of happy memories to carry through life with […]

Linkcity names CHICKS as its 2019 charity partner

As part of its commitment to local communities, we are delighted to share that Linkcity has partnered with CHICKS! The one-year partnership consists of a variety of fundraising activities with the aim of sponsoring a break for 16 children, as well as enabling employees to take up volunteering opportunities. Linkcity are a property development company focused on creating inspiring places that improve […]

The Quilon Restaurant – supporting CHICKS the foody way!

CHICKS is lucky to have the support of a number of organisations who fundraise for us, volunteer, sponsor events and help us raise thousands of pounds – sometimes in very inventive ways! The Quilon Restaurant – a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace and The Houses of Parliament, London – opened in 1999 and quickly established South-West […]

Debs – our new Devon Fundraiser!

It’s an overdue welcome to our new team member, Debs Rylands! Debs joined us in November 2018 and, in her new role as Regional Fundraiser for Devon, Debs has been working to increase our volunteer fundraising in Devon and across the South West. Debs told us: "I’m really excited to be in this role and […]

Children of Alcoholics Week: Tom’s Story

1 in 5 children in the UK are affected by their parents' drinking. That's around 2.6 million children in the UK with a alcohol-dependent parent. Last year, 18.6% of children referred to CHICKS were living in families where one or more parent was alcohol or substance-dependent. At CHICKS we provide respite breaks for children who […]

Oliver�s Travels – Book a Break, Give a Break campaign!

Teaming up with CHICKS in 2016, Oliver’s Travels wanted to help give children from difficult circumstances the break of a lifetime! Oliver’s Travels fittingly host thousands of families every year in luxury villas and chateaux, and so they wanted to make it possible for those less fortunate to have an amazing holiday as well as create […]

Children’s Mental Health Week

It’s Children’s Mental Health Week. Many of the children referred to CHICKS for a respite break face daily challenges. They might have caring responsibilities for a parent or sibling. They might be suffering from abuse, bullying or neglect. They might be living in child poverty. They might be suffering from bereavement. Children who are referred to CHICKS for […]

Acronyms and CHICKS � working together in partnership

There are many ways an organisation can engage with CHICKS. All of our partners – both past and present – have supported us in diverse ways including: – the hosting of fundraising events – sponsoring our initiatives – offering unique expertise through pro-bono support in areas such as IT, design or marketing. Acronyms, a Plymouth-based IT and […]

Dynamic Running Duo!

On Sunday 14th April, Dave Smith MD of Acronyms, and his daughter Monica will be running the Brighton Marathon in aid of CHICKS with the aim of raising £2,000! The team at Acronyms have been supporting CHICKS for a number of years and in various different ways, for which we are so grateful. Dave explianed: "Completing a marathon has always […]

Young Carers Awareness Day: Holly’s story

In 2018, 388 children with caring responsibilities came on CHICKS breaks with us. The young carers referred to CHICKS for a break will have a range of responsibilities that might include: – caring for parents, grandparents or siblings who may have a physical and/or mental health illness – shopping and cooking for the family – cleaning and […]

Edward’s 65th Birthday Challenge for CHICKS

Edward Chapman is someone who definitely likes to challenge himself! Not only is he a keen runner and raised money for CHICKS in the process, but he’s also volunteered on three CHICKS breaks. We spoke to Edward and asked him about his experiences of volunteering and fundraising for CHICKS. Edward explained: “Sometimes it’s good to look […]