Hundreds of children were left smiling after Preston North End Community and Education Trust provided daily support to 217 young people who were accessing its Holiday Activities and Food [HAF] programme throughout August.
The programme primarily supported children eligible for free school meals by providing them with a free meal alongside educational workshops and physical activity sessions through its free holiday clubs delivered as part of Spring North’s Get Stuck In programme.
HAF was delivered by PNECET at five sites across Preston, engaging children aged five to 11-years-old with four free holiday clubs, with an additional two clubs for 12 to 16-year-olds.
St Stephen’s Primary School was among the sites at which HAF was delivered where Junior and Grace, brother and sister, enjoyed a fantastic summer.
Grace said: “I have enjoyed the teachers always being there. If I ever feel sad they’re always there for me. It’s nice to be able to play with my friends and teachers and I like being here because I get to play sports like football, basketball and gymnastics.
“I have learnt that I can draw, and to keep trying and to never give up. I think the dinners here are the best. I eat healthy when I’m here and it makes me feel better.”
Junior added: “I like to come here because I get to play with my friends and play sports like football and basketball.
“If I wasn’t here I would just be bored at home. I enjoy playing catch with my friends and having races.
“I have learnt that every time something is hard, to still have a go and to be braver and to help other people.”
Children were awarded with prizes for their efforts and behaviour over the four weeks.
A number of those accessing the provision were awarded with Get Stuck In hoodies and activity packs to help them remain active and engaged at home.
We were also able to reward some young people on the last week of the programme with tickets to our fixture against Swansea City in August which fell just one day after the HAF provision concluded.