Charity handed £375k boost to create forever home

Over The Wall Camp is celebrating after receiving a £375,000 grant towards creating its forever home in Derbyshire.

The money from The Julia Rausing Trust is being used to transform the charity’s new home at Ockbrook, ready to welcome children and young people with serious health conditions and their families in summer 2026.

In 2024, Over The Wall Camp secured a 40-year lease for the former Ockbrook School which closed in June 2021.

The first phase of development work is already underway, transforming the site into a safe and supportive environment where children can rediscover the magic and mischief of childhood, increase self-confidence, form lifelong friendships and develop independence through a range of fun activities.

Chief executive Kevin Mathieson said: “The grant from The Julia Rausing Trust is an incredible boost for the charity.

“Seriously ill children and their siblings often struggle with loneliness and isolation, which has a big impact on their mental health.

“Camp is a safe space where children and young people can be themselves, and love who they are.

“They meet others who understand what it’s like to live with their condition and, after camp, can feel more confident in their ability to make friends.

“This grant brings us one step closer to creating the best possible environment where children can try new things, have amazing, impactful experiences, and reflect on all their achievements.

“We’re really looking forward to hearing the laughter, chatter, music, and fun of children and families here at our Ockbrook home next summer.”

Daniel Chapman, head of grants at The Julia Rausing Trust, said: “Over The Wall Camp is the UK’s major charity for providing free residential activity camps for children with serious health conditions.

“Our grant will support Over The Wall Camp in establishing its first permanent centre and provide a dedicated environment for children to connect, play and build friendships with peers their own age.

“The new home will also enable the charity to reach thousands more children in need. We look forward to its opening in 2026.”