Over 5200 children and young people attended events over the summer holidays as part of the Derby Summer Promise.

The £1.5 million plan of enriching and learning activities for children, and financial support for families and household was funded through The Government Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) and the Local Support Summer Grant and proved a fantastic example of community at work. The scheme also covered half term and the upcoming winter break holidays.

In all, 16 local providers were chosen to run school holiday activities co-ordinated by Community Action Derby with additional coverage via Children’s Centres, Adult Education Services, Library Services and Neighbourhood Partnership (Mackworth).

Sessions were located in 14 of the 17 wards with additional coverage from the Councils own Children’s Centres, Adult Education Services, Library Services and Neighbourhood Partnership (Mackworth). A combination of faith, community and specialist groups provided a wide range of activities from arts, horticulture/nature, music/dance and sport provisions.

The council exceeded its target participation of 30% engagement with a fantastic 48.2% of eligible children taking part in sessions and during the course of the programme over 25,000 meals were served.

Funding from the summer support grant saw many families supported with vouchers and financial assistance, including funding all year six’s moving into year seven with a new uniform.

Harry Pearce, (Coach at the Community One holiday Club) said:

 Brilliant time during the Summer at the Pakistan Community Centre. We had over 200 young people who had a great experience in different sports and sporting activities. All staff and young people were great which made the summer such a good time for myself and everyone involved

Parent of child at Inspirative Arts holiday club:

This sort of scheme is really needed, because there aren't many things which are safe and accessible for my child

Councillor Evonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills said:

We’re committed to improving the health and wellbeing of all our children and so we’re delighted to at the success of the Derby Summer Promise, providing activities and healthy meals to so many eligible children and young people over the summer.

I’d like to thank all the Council team and all the partners involved, especially Community Action Derby, who all worked so hard to put together a great range of activities for children and young people.

The Council is now preparing for a winter programme and will announce details in the coming months.