The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
by Jess Horn – South Holland District Council community development officer
Are you looking for something fun to do with your family in the summer holidays?
The South Holland community development team in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council’s Children’s Services runs a fantastic initiative called Activate.
It’s a series of events aimed at young people aged eight to 19 years.
Each event visits a different part of the district during the school holidays and provides a day of free activities for children and young people in the local community giving them the opportunity to try something new and learn skills.
Activities have previously included a climbing wall, mobile skate park, rowing machines, sports games, dance, art and crafts.
Each event is designed and targeted for the community it is taking place in and works closely with local partners such as the parish council, Community Safety Partnership and PCSOs to make the days fun for everyone.
The events have also been used to promote local youth centres and have also provided an opportunity to identify local residents who are willing to help run local youth provision.
Lincolnshire Children’s Services then support them to set up a youth group to enable young people to continue to engage in positive activities.
As the events have developed they have become fantastic community occasions with families attending, bringing picnics and spending time together and with their neighbours.
To date, a total of eight Activate days have taken place, engaging 2,320 people.
This summer there will be Activate days in Gedney Drove End on August 5, Donington on August 12 and Sutton Bridge on August 19.
For more information please contact the community development team on 01775 761161 or community@sholland.gov.uk
