Thousands of children enjoy food, fun and fitness at Blacon-based summer programme

8 November 2024

Thousands of children took part in a successful summer programme organised by Avenue Services and its community partners across Blacon.

A jam-packed schedule that ran throughout the school holidays saw youngsters take part in over 100 events and activities such as archery, pottery, assault courses, rounders and many more.

Each year the summer programme is supported by funding from the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme, which is distributed locally through community interest company Edsential. This additional funding means the adventure playground was able to provide 1,275 free packed lunches for children and £2,500 worth of vouchers for families to be able to buy school uniforms and essential clothing over the school holidays.

Local company Rage Fitness also supported the programme by providing over 1,000 children with nutrition advice, exercise classes and distributing wellbeing information packs alongside the free packed lunches.

Sandra Hewitt, Playground and Neighbourhood Manager, said: “It’s always great to see the summer programme run so successfully.

“It’s such a key part of our summer here in Blacon and seeing so many children take part makes all of the hard work worth it.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council, Rage Fitness, Blacon Beacon, Blacon Children’s Centre, Cheshire Police, Welcome Network, Blacon Butterflies (WI) and Holy Trinity Church were involved in organising and delivering activities.

Further Support was provided by local councillors and volunteers, West Cheshire Foodbank, Aldi, Asda, Tesco, Heron Foods, Spar and Morrisons.