Families will once again be able to take advantage of our free Fun and Food programme during the Easter holidays.
Last year, the initiative provided holiday activities with healthy food for hundreds of families across the county, funded by a £2.3 million grant from the Department for Education.
Further funding of £2.3 million means the programme is set to continue for the next three years. Activities such as swimming, craft workshops, pantomimes and ice skating are provided through voluntary and community groups, leisure centres, libraries and schools.
Harbour, which works with families affected by domestic abuse, is one of the organisations involved in the scheme.
Andrea, a children and family worker at Harbour, said: “The funding allowed us to pay for everything that the families needed to take part in activities, from swimming costumes to buckets and spades.
“It has been amazing to see how the families have built friendships and helped each other, as well as the change in the children’s behaviour and in the parent’s self-esteem– they were just shining.
“One lady and her son fled abuse in their family home. Our staff made the little boy a lovely cake for his birthday, which he had never celebrated before.
It was amazing to see him so excited, he was so grateful. “We also held a daytime camp, with a pop-up tent, disposable barbeque and fishing activities for a dad who had always dreamed of taking his son camping but couldn’t afford to. They were so thankful.”
To find out about activities in your area visit www.durham.gov.uk/FunAndFood
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
