Northumberland steps up summer activity programme for children and young people

06 Jul 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Families across Northumberland could benefit from an activity and holiday clubs programme for children and young people over the school summer break thanks to the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF).  

Northumberland County Council have been awarded £1,029,980 as part of a nationwide investment of up to £220 million to enable local authorities to run holiday programmes during the school holidays including the upcoming summer break and Christmas 2021.  

The fully funded programmes mean children and young people will be able to take part in a range of enriching activities including sport, music, dance, drama, art, cooking and gardening. The programme of events will also give them the opportunity to learn new skills and the chance to socialise with others and make new friends.   

The Government’s investment in the HAF programme will build on previous years of locally led activity run in partnership with Northumberland’s voluntary and community sector and Northumberland County Council. 

A successful programme of activity ran during Easter has helped the council and voluntary and community sector organisations shape the way for the summer and Christmas programmes.   

This initiative is running alongside the £200 million funding announced in February to provide summer schools to help pupils who have experienced the most disruption as a result of the pandemic.  

Councillor Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member with responsibility for children and young people, said: “This funding will go a long way in supporting us to run activities that will give families the chance to enjoy time together and for our children and young people to take part in activities they wouldn’t ordinarily get a chance to take part in. 

“It will also go a long way in supporting even more children over the holidays with learning opportunities and healthy meals.  
“We have a great team behind Northumberland Communities Together who together will give our children and young people some of the best summer experiences they have had and memories to cherish forever.”  

Children and young people who attend will also receive a healthy meal as part of the council’s wider commitment to ensure those who receive free school meals in term time continue to do so. Northumberland’s local supermarkets and food partnerships are thanked for their continued support in this initiative and supporting these activities.  

Parents and carers who think their children might benefit from the holiday clubs or would like to find out what is running in their area over the summer should contact Northumberland Communities Together.  

Phone the Northumberland Communities Together Response Hub on 01670 620015 9am-6pm, 7 days a week or email: NCT@northumberland.gov.uk to find out more.