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Leeds Children’s Holiday Camp Association is the oldest charity in Leeds founded in 1904 by a group of people concerned about the plight of children in Leeds. Perhaps the most important member of this group was Mrs Helen Currer Briggs, Lady Mayoress of Leeds in 1903/04. From this time, the Ladymayoress of Leeds is the President of the charity by rite of her civic position

The Charity continues to provide a very worthwhile service for the underprivileged children and families in Leeds, particularly those living in the most deprived areas of the City.  The Trustees liaise with all the primary schools in Leeds to provide 300 holidays/respite each year for children aged 7 to 11 years who are disadvantaged in some way.  The charity currently provides holidays for mixed groups of 12 children each week between the months of March and September.

The charity owns and maintains a purpose-built holiday centre at Silverdale, near Morecambe, where the children enjoy time by the sea and in the countryside. Silverdale Holiday Centre is situated in one of the most beautiful locations overlooking Morecambe Bay within an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  The children who visit Silverdale are allowed time and space to be themselves in a safe and secure environment.

The Trustees work continually to raise the profile and awareness of the charity, as well as much needed funds to finance the service provided.