The purpose of the charity is to provide free residential holidays for over 400 disadvantaged children every year at a purpose-built holiday centre at Silverdale, near Morecambe. The centre is wholly owned and maintained by the charity, and is situated within an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty overlooking Morecambe Bay. Over 58,000 children have benefited from the charity's work since it was founded in 1904, and the demand for places is as high as it has ever been.

Children who are referred to the charity are disadvantaged for many reasons including poverty, abuse, neglect, homelessness, victims of domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, young carers, children in care and more. Some children never leave their homes other than to go to school and are not allowed to play in the fresh air; others have responsibilities beyond their years while caring for parents and/or siblings. Families and children need respite from difficult situations and we provide it

The many hundreds of children who benefit from the services of the charity are encouraged to develop confidence, self-esteem, personal, interpersonal and communication skills together with lasting friendships with others from different backgrounds. The children can relax, play and have fun within an atmosphere of friendship and fun. Families, schools, and communities also benefit from the changed behaviour of the children who achieve at school and become more confident.