Over the past year, Westminster City Council, working in partnership with Young Westminster Foundation and over 40 local youth organisations, has reached more children and young people with healthy food and activities over the school holidays.
During the recent Easter school holiday, the Council reached 1,486 children and young people – this is a significant increase from 1,066 last year. This included a 19% increase in children and young people on free school meals and 4% increase for those with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities).
Young people in Westminster report that the activities such as sport, music and drama help them feel more confident, make them feel safe and enable them to be physically active. Of those surveyed during the May school holiday, 100% said they would take part in activities again.
The provision is also benefitting parents and guardians. 85% said it made them less anxious about providing things to do during the holidays and 40% feel less worried about food and money.
The Government’s Department of Education funds the programme over the Winter, Easter and Summer school holidays.
Westminster City Council has also chosen to separately fund the half-term holidays in October, February and May supported by Westminster Foundation.
During May, the highest number of children and young people were reached in a half-term with 1,250 children and young people attending activities.
Activities are now being advertised to families for the Summer school holiday and the Council is providing additional funding to support an additional 1,500-2,000 children and young people so even more families can benefit from free activities and healthy food.
Helen Mann, CEO of Young Westminster Foundation said:
We can clearly see how important these programmes are and we want to say a big thank you to our funders Westminster City Council who are able to bring new and exciting opportunities to children and young people during a time when parents and families are under increasing financial pressure.
Cllr Tim Roca, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Young People, Learning and Leisure said:
Helping vulnerable families is a key pillar of our Fairer Westminster strategy. As the cost of living crisis continues, we know that many people across the borough are struggling. I’m so pleased that through increased promotion and by working more closely with partners such as Citizens Advice Bureau and youth providers, we are reaching more children and young people. I hope that many families continue to take advantage of the support this Summer.
Find out what activities are available this Summer: RBKC & Westminster HAF Programme | Our City
Published: 6 July 2023