Fun, free activities and nutritious meals for eligible families
Supporting our young people and our families are part of the Council’s core priorities. Elected Members have agreed a range of measures to support our children this Summer. There will be free placesfor children and young people in South Tyneside who are eligible for benefits related free school meals, alongside high quality activities, to help them to build their confidence while having fun.
The activities and food provision run throughout the summer holidays from Monday 26 July to Friday 3 September. As booking is essential, we are encouraging all eligible families to sign up now.
The sessions, which cater for children aged 5 to 16, include a variety of creative and physical activities, including sports, crafts, music, arts, outdoor challenges, nature and treasure trails as well as fun problem-solving challenges, nutrition and wellbeing sessions and a nutritious meal each day.
Free food packs
Families who would benefit from a free food pack can contact Hebburn Helps on 0191 489 9707 or visit www.hebburnhelps.co.uk or Key2Life on 07833 613393 or on facebook @key2lifesouthtyneside
In addition, families on benefits-related free school meals can also receive a voucher per child for every week of the six week holidays to help with additional food costs.
Around 6,500 children in South Tyneside are eligible for free school meals but this number is growing as a result of the pandemic. There are many working parents who cannot access certain benefits who are often amongst the most financially vulnerable and may struggle with the costs of good food and activities when schools are closed.
The Council has secured almost £750,000 in government funding to run the clubs over the summer holidays and also for four days at Christmas.
The clubs are being run at various venues throughout the Borough.
Families can find out more and if they are eligible at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/holidayclub
They can also call 0191 4246688 or email [email protected]
All events are subject to availability and COVID restrictions. Activities and food are funded by the Department for Education.
Working with families?
If you work in a frontline service and know a family who would benefit from the activities that the Summer Club has to offer, or free food packs, please share this information. The Communications Team will be in touch with key services with leaflets to share with families.
A word on wellbeing
With many of us taking time out over the summer months, make the most of it by enjoying South Tyneside’s rich history and nature. There is no better time to stretch your legs, get some fresh air and enjoy some family time while walking along our beaches and coastline, in our parks and over our hills.
South Tyneside’s Family Discovery Trails are fun walks, featuring maps and family fun activities. So put on your walking shoes, grab a picnic and enjoy exploring! You can find maps at www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk
