At the start of June, St John’s put out the call to local charities and clubs to apply for our Summer Holiday Activities Fund. After a selection process, we awarded £24,820 to 11 local organisations that offer opportunities for disadvantaged children. This money was specifically for the provision of activities for children, aged 0-12, from families that are vulnerable, at risk or isolated during the summer holidays.
Holiday activities are so important for reducing social isolation and helping children to stay happy and healthy. Our funding supports the positive work done by so many charities across Bath and North East Somerset so that children didn’t miss out this summer, as we begin to emerge from the worst of the covid crisis.
Some of the charities that were awarded money organised days out and activities day for children. First Steps spent their funding on a trip to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm for the children and families from First Steps nursery and the Early Years Centre in Twerton. Off the Record organised summer activity days for young people who identify as LGBT+ or may be questioning their identity, while Southside Family Project organised outdoor play activities for children supported by the charity.
Others focused on the provision of sporting activities with Sporting Family Change spending their funding on a variety of multisports for vulnerable and isolated children. Bath City Football Club Foundation held an inclusive and mixed football camp for children aged 5-11.
Two of the charities used their funding for food provisions with Family Action hosting family-friendly healthy eating activities for Family Action FOOD Club members in Radstock. While Oasis Hub delivered food and enrichment parcels to low-income families.
The money was also spent on those families that were socially isolated. Peasedown Parochial Church Council used their grant for bouncy castles, craft activities, and refreshments for socially isolated families in Peasedown St John. Young Bristol delivered youth activities in areas of high social isolation (Keynsham, Pensford and Bishop Sutton) via Young Bristol’s mobile youth bus facility.
Julian House used their grant for fun, healthy and educational holiday activities for families recovering from the impact of domestic violence and abuse. VOICES similarly used their funding for those impacted by this issue and hosted an activity and a picnic for children they work with.
