A fun-filled summer awaits County Durham youngsters with more than 100 free activities with healthy food lined up for the school holidays.
Following on from successful schemes over Easter and spring half-term, the Fun and Food programme will return this summer to offer a variety of activities and healthy food during the school holidays.
The project is being delivered by Durham County Council with support from the local authority’s 14 Area Action Partnerships (AAPs) and a £2.3m grant from the Department for Education. It is in response to the fact some families can struggle to keep children fed and entertained while they are off school.
Family centres, schools, charities, and private and voluntary sector organisations have been encouraged to apply for funding to stage activities in their areas. Grants have also been allocated through AAPs.
The full programme is still being finalised, but families can look forward to a host of events and activities across the county – from crafts sessions and performing arts, to team sports and swimming.
Activities will all include healthy food and will be delivered in line with the latest Government coronavirus guidelines.
Councillor Ted Henderson, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We know the school holidays can cause additional financial pressure for families, especially this year when the pandemic has sadly resulted in people losing their jobs or seeing their working hours reduced. It can also be difficult to keep youngsters entertained for such a long stretch of time.
“Our Fun and Food programme aims to relieve some of that pressure by providing free activities and nutritious food to help keep youngsters happy and healthy this summer. I would encourage families to find out about what is on offer in their area.”
To find out more, visit durham.gov.uk/FunAndFood or call the Families Information Service on 03000 269995.
The website will be updated with more activities throughout the summer.