Doncaster kids to get free activities and meals during summer

Disadvantaged young people across Doncaster will benefit from a £1 million programme offering free extra-curricular activities and healthy meals over the summer holidays including competitive sport, cooking classes and outdoor pursuits

The programme is funded through the Government’s Opportunity Areas and includes £550,000 to pay for a programme of summer activities in 2018 and 2019, and a £450,000 fund for local voluntary and community groups to support young people in Doncaster develop additional skills through out-of-school activities from September.

The summer activities are free for participants aged five-18 and include boxing, cycling, football, baking, nature trails and stop motion animation classes. From September, schools will be able to access community programmes through The Princes Trust, drama and arts classes through Doncaster Arts, sports through organisations like the Jamie McDonnell Fight for Good CIC (Community Interest Company), and business and entrepreneurial skills workshops.

The summer project will be run by EXPECT Youth, Doncaster’s youth alliance which works closely with the Opportunity Area programme by delivering projects for the most vulnerable in the borough.

Alongside a schedule of activities running from 23 July to 31 August, the funding will also offer healthy meals to the thousands of children taking part over the summer.