It’s national Stress Awareness Month, and whilst many people see the Easter holidays as a great time to relax and enjoy a bit of sunshine, we understand that for many parents, guardians and families the school holidays can be some of the most stressful points throughout the year. Whether it’s lack of time, difficulty with childcare, juggling work and family life, the cost of activities, the task of preparing 3 meals a day for the whole family, or even the unpredictable weather – there are a lot of pressure points that can impact families in different ways.
As such, we wanted to take this opportunity to highlight all the ways in which families can access support, inspiration and activities during the schools holidays!
Essex ActivAte face to face support for eligible youngsters
Active Essex are proud to be working in collaboration with Essex County Council and Thurrock Council to deliver the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food programme. Working with a network of trusted local delivery partners, Active Essex run these FREE face to face clubs during the school holidays for children and young people who are eligible for benefits based free school meals. Additional funding is provided by Essex County Council to extend the offer to low income working families who also require support during the school holidays. This programme takes place during the Easter, Summer and Winter holidays. Where possible, Essex County Council and Basildon Borough Council provide additional support for families during the Half Terms as well.
This Easter we are running over 150 clubs across Essex and Thurrock, including 23 SEND Hubs and 19 Mental Wellbeing Hubs. Every club offers a variety of physical and enrichment activities, as well as a nutritious meal for every child. There really is something for everyone, with clubs ranging from multisports, team sports and dance, to craft workshops, outdoor adventures and animal encounters (and everything in between).
Families can explore and book onto our Easter Essex ActivAte clubs here.
Essex ActivAte resources
Whether or not youngsters are eligible for our Essex ActivAte clubs there are a whole host of resources available online for all to access. This includes two brand new Easter activity packs, specifically designed to be enjoyed at home with little need for materials or equipment, the activities make use of items you may already have around the home.
Plus you can find a whole host of ways to get moving at home, and find advice and support for parents/guardians.
Visit the Family Support Hub to start exploring.
Find Your Active – Activity Finder
The Find Your Active activity finder allows you to discover what physical activity and sport opportunities are available near you. So, whether you’re wanting to join a new group, find sessions for your children or enjoy activities together, explore the finder! You can filter by date, time, price/free, age level, ability – so you can tailor the selection of activities to fit you!
Activities at the touch of a button
Throughout the Active Essex there are so many ideas for ways to get moving, whether it be finding clubs, visiting green spaces or getting active at home. Visit our Ways to Get Active page to find out more.
Mental wellbeing support
Physical activity and mental wellbeing go hand in hand! So if you’ve been struggling to find time for yourself, or have been feeling down or stressed, try and find even just a few minutes to get moving – we promise you will notice a difference! Find out more.
All this support and more will be available during the school holidays throughout 2022, so we encourage families to check back during the Half Terms and Summer/Winter breaks too!
Got any questions about school holiday support? Message the Essex ActivAte team on Facebook.
