(Above) Local children and young people enjoying activities with ‘Let’s Kick it’ in Broughton
Milton Keynes City Council funded more than 56,000 hours of FREE activity sessions for local children and young people, as well as providing 20,000 healthy meals and snacks over the school summer holidays.
More than 2,500 children took part in the City Council’s Summer of Play programme, an increase of around 800 children compared to last year’s events.
The free programme offered indoor and outdoor events in 55 locations across MK for families with children who usually receive benefit related free school meals.
Working with local organisations such as schools, clubs and charities, the City Council enabled 23,000 sessions throughout August, each including a free healthy meal and snack. Activities included sports such as basketball, netball, and football alongside day trips, cookery, crafting and music. The activities were designed to be as inclusive as possible, and around 430 children with special educational needs took part.
“I’d like to thank all the groups and clubs who worked with us to provide activities and fresh food over the summer. Our Summer of Play has been a welcome boost for struggling local families, as some families have been relying on free school meals to give their children something hot each day. We’ll keep finding new ways to support local people as part of our ongoing cost of living plans.”