A vital cash injection is transforming the summer holidays for hundreds of children in East London, turning a traditionally stressful period for low-income families into a season of growth and adventure.
A fizzing summer of activities takes place at the Shadwell Community Project, keeping boredom at bay for youngsters. There was plenty to choose from, including 26 sessions of arts and crafts, games, sports, bushcraft, free play, cooking on an open fire, survival skills and workshops to redesign the adventure playground’s structures.
Fuelling Bodies and Minds
Free meals were a tasty treat, thanks to the weekly gardening sessions, as the vegetables grown were then used as ingredients for the daily lunches. Almost 800 freshly cooked healthy meals were dished out to children across the 26 sessions.
The Summer Programme projects, funded through the London Dock Community Fund and managed by East End Community Foundation on behalf of St George City Ltd, are a lifeline to local families struggling to provide safe and engaging activities over the summer holidays.
The projects aim to support the health, safety, wellbeing and personal development of children and young people, focusing on children’s social and academic development.
A Lifeline for Local Families
The Glamis Adventure Playground provides a safe, free outdoor play space, hot vegetarian meals, and creative workshops for children and young people aged 6 to 16. Shadwell Community Project, which runs the pay ground was awarded £5,000 to hold five weeks of holiday activities at the adventure playground.
The summer sessions, which run until 21 August, have made a strong impact on many attending, and this is one youngster’s story. Now 15, “C” has come to the playground since the age of five. She has health issues so cannot go out much independently, and lives in a flat with no outside space. C often spends a lot of time onscreen, with little interaction with other young people, and no physical activity.
From Screen Time to Leadership
Since coming to the sessions at Shadwell Community Project, C has made new friends, has led craft workshops, helped with serving food and assisting with younger children.
C’s parents reported better communication with their daughter, a happier mood, increased confidence and less screen time. C feels more hopeful about the future, and now has activities and skills to put on her CV, when she applies for further education and jobs.
Emma Mulhern, Manager, Shadwell Community Project, thanked the East End Community Foundation for funding the summer scheme. “It makes a huge difference to the children of Shadwell and makes the summer holidays safer and more viable for parents who often dread this difficult time if you are struggling for money and cannot afford trips or holidays for the children.”
The playground has received a glowing review from award-winning actress and East End resident, Helen Mirren.
“Glamis Adventure Playground is a very special place, providing space for our young people to discover their creativity and make friends. I would encourage anyone who can to give what they can to enable Glamis to continue serving future generations.”
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