“Ann* had best time ever and wants to go again and again. She was able to enjoy time away from issues at home and was introduced to and experienced activities that she never would have at home, building confidence and self esteem.” – Social worker who referred a child to Campus for the first time in 2018.

Campus provides children with the opportunity to simply enjoy being children, away from the stresses of challenging home lives.  The high volunteer-to-child ratio and opportunity to try new activities in a caring and supportive environment enables children to increase their self-esteem, develop meaningful friendships and create positive memories.

Our Young Helper programme also enhances the life chances and aspirations of approximately 20 young people aged 14 to 17 each year, by providing them with the opportunity to take on real responsibility through volunteering on projects.  In 2019, 100% of Young Helpers agreed that this had increased their confidence and enabled them to develop new skills – something which will support them with future applications for jobs, training courses, or higher education.

Of parents and carers who responded to our 2019 survey:

• 98% agreed that their child enjoyed their Campus holiday
• 96% reported that family benefited from the break provided by Campus
• 100% indicated that they would like their child to attend future Campus projects

‘The trip gave me a much needed break and I was confident that the girls would be looked after. The girls had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed it, they made new friends and talked about it for days afterwards.’

‘My child wouldn’t normally be able to participate in these sort of activities as we couldn’t afford to do them.’

‘My child loved being at Campus, it gives her the opportunity to be away from the caring role she does at home and just be a child like everyone else.’

“Doing different activities and making new friends and improved my child’s confidence to mix with other children and adults.”

‘As a result of their Campus holiday my child gained more confidence and an increased sense of self-worth, they now attend after school activities and clubs’

100% of referrers who responded to our survey in 2019 agreed that the children benefited from the opportunity. 100% agreed that their families benefited from the opportunity. 100% agreed that they would refer children to future Campus projects:

“All I know is the young people speak positively about their time at Campus and ask if I will help them go again next year.’ Referrer from Liverpool Social Services 2019

“All of the children I referred thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the break was much-needed by their foster carers. This is the only trip that some of those children will get away from their carers, and gives them a great opportunity to develop friendships and try new things.” Referrer from Liverpool Social Services, 2018

“Children benefit from the consistency of a summer break each year, with lots of great activities that will bring them long term positive memories.” Referrer from Liverpool Social Services, 2017

“Our young people are often socially isolated.  Campus provides an opportunity for them to engage with other children in a safe environment and build on their confidence and self esteem.” Referrer from Barnado’s Young Carer Project, 2017

In 2019, 93% of children stated that they tried new activities and 95% told us that they’d made new friends and 97% expressed a desire to attend future Campus projects.  At the end of their 2019 holiday, children told us the following:

‘Campus is important for children because it helps you make friends and build confidence and you get to do things you wouldn’t normally at home.’

‘I look forward to coming on Campus because I get to have a break from home’

‘I look forward to going on Campus to make new friends, learn new skills and go on rollercoasters’

‘Campus is important for children because it lets them have fun when they are having a hard time’

‘Campus helps them cope with their family, find new friends and make the bestest friends!’

‘Campus builds your confidence and makes you want to try new things.’ 

Click here to find out more about how you can support Campus and what your donations fund.

*All names have been changed.