Written by Guest Writer, Melissa Litchfield from Street Games

For many children across the UK, school holidays are much anticipated; a time for relaxation, fun activities and a much-needed break from routine. However, for an increasing number of parents, the school holidays lead to added stresses and money concerns, with parents having to source affordable childcare, additional meals and fun activities to keep their children entertained and safe.

Research has shown that the school holidays can be pressure points for some families with children from low-income households being:

• · Less likely to access organised out-of-school activities
• · More likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health
• · More likely to experience social isolation

The Holiday Activity and Food programme is a Department for Education-funded programme designed to address these three growing concerns, providing free, fun activities and nutritious meals throughout the spring, summer and winter holidays for all children and young people aged 4-16 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

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Derbyshire’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme, locally known as ‘It’s About Me’ will be open once again this summer, providing a wide range of FREE experiences and activities across the county including cookery, crafts, sports, outdoor adventures and much more!

"The programme is absolutely brilliant, my daughter had an amazing time and came home with so many fantastic memories to treasure. She tried things she never would normally have the opportunity to do and it definitely pushed her confidence levels."

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Parent, It’s About Me Spring 2023

Leading the programme in Derbyshire is the national sports charity StreetGames, whose mission is to transform the lives of young people living in low-income, underserved communities through sport and physical activity. StreetGames work in partnership with Derbyshire County Council and are supported by a range of local organisations including Rural Action Derbyshire who use their expansive network of charitable suppliers to source and provide food to participating clubs.

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“We’re delighted to be able to offer this vital support to families across Derbyshire this summer. The school holidays can be a real challenge for many families, with additional food costs and childcare needs putting a real strain on household budgets.

We believe that everyone deserves a good break and that school holidays are better when children and young people are active, having fun, being entertained and learning new things.”

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Jen Carter, Holiday Gap Director, StreetGames

Over 120 providers will be running sessions this summer for an average of 4 hours a day, between Tuesday 25th July and Friday 1st September. Activity times vary depending on the individual provider.

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The It’s About Me programme is free for children currently in receipt of benefit-related free school meals. Free places may also be available to children in vulnerable groups such as young carers or those with special educational needs.

Bookings open Monday 3rd July.

To book or to find out more go to: itsaboutmederbyshire.co.uk