Children across County Durham are being sent food and activity packs to keep them well-fed and occupied during February half-term thanks to a grant of nearly £4,000.
Durham County Council’s 3 Towns Area Action Partnership (AAP) has awarded £3,872 from its Holiday Activities and Healthy Food budget to four local organisations to deliver activities and food to youngsters.
ATOMS Community Interest Company is delivering a remote Cook and Create programme, consisting of educational activity packs that are delivered to the families which will then use online webinars.
The activity packs include a healthy cooking activity along with an art/science or music activity and all materials needed.
Groundwork North East meanwhile is delivering an enrichment programme of family friendly activities and nutritious meals. The programme will deliver a full week’s worth of activities during the February half term.
Jack Drum Arts has given activity packs to children and young people with items to decorate a glass along with instructions on how to make a simple healthy mocktail and snack. The group is also hosting a social event online which will include games; a quiz; open mic for young people to share music, song writing and creative writing; while DJ Dog and Foxy will close the event with music.
And Open Door Church is providing a cookery pack which contains recipes and ingredients to make a two or three-course meal that encourages health eating.
Stacey Deinali, of ATOMS CIC, said: “ATOMS Education CIC has developed strong links within the 3 Towns area and has supported many families, not only with education but by providing food through their cookery activities.
“The funding from the AAP has enabled us to continue this vital support and work closely with various organisation in the area. It has also allowed us to provide an additional level of support for families through the distribution of mobile data packages.”
Helen Ward, of Jack Drum Arts, said: “Funding from the AAP Holiday Activities fund has enabled us to support young people at a very difficult time with provision of a fun online social event during half term, enabling them to connect with others of their own age, play games, dress up and receive a bespoke activity pack delivered to their door.”
Cllr Brian Stephens, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhood and local partnerships, said: “We know that this is a difficult time for parents and children alike as everyone continues to cope with the current lockdown restrictions, so we’re hopeful that this funding will brighten up the half-term break for families by providing healthy food and some fun activities to get involved in.”
More information about AAPs and the services available can be found at durham.gov.uk/aaps.