Derby City Council is offering young people with experience of the care system the chance to take a break from their daily lives and make lasting memories.
The Council’s Leaving Care Service has been organising holidays for youngsters for the past few years. The latest trip saw a group of care-experienced young people enjoy a trip to a picturesque Peak District cottage.
For the young people invited on the break, it’s more than just a holiday – it’s a valuable opportunity to connect with peers, relax, and build friendships. The trips are designed to be inclusive, catering to young people with diverse needs.
The Peak District break featured hearty meals around the table, movie nights, board games and walks – all opportunities for the group to bond and enjoy feeling a family atmosphere.
The huge impact made by the holiday was shown by the words written by the young people on their return.
I was a little nervous about coming as I didn’t know what to expect and the thought of no [phone] signal frightened me! But as soon as I got inside of the cottage the nervousness went away. The cottage was beautiful and the scenery was absolutely stunning…it is amazing and I recommend coming!
…The first night I felt so comfortable it felt like I was at home with my family. Everyone’s vibe was so refreshing, I instantly forgot about all the problems in the world and could purely just focus on having quality time…I will 100% do this trip again!
The group enjoy an evening watching TV together
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:
These trips offer our care-experienced young people the opportunity to feel like part of a family – something they may not have had before.
Our staff are incredibly touched by the positive impact these breaks have on the young people. They've witnessed remarkable growth in confidence and social skills, as well as a genuine sense of care and compassion among the group.
It's heartwarming to see the strong friendships that form on these trips, often lasting long after the holiday ends. We're immensely proud to be able to provide these life-enhancing experiences for our young people.