Strive's Summer Family Club: A Success Story

Looking Ahead

We have identified the potential to replicate aspects of this model in existing holiday clubs. Traditional clubs often focus on sports and creativity but rarely offer opportunities to enhance family time. For many families, holiday clubs are crucial for providing children with hot meals and safe spaces to play (Department for Education, 2023). By encouraging parents and carers to join in, we can enhance family time and bridge into a new environment. Sharing experiences is fundamental to living a positive and fulfilled life, according to the NHS (NHS, 5 Steps to Mental Wellbeing). More locally, we are looking forward to getting involved in the Wyre Moving More strategy which looks at the benefits of people, starting to move more often!

Engaging With Families

In November 2024, we engaged with over 70 parents to discuss their experiences and expectations of holiday clubs. Given the chance, 87% expressed a desire to stay for a joint activity with their child. They showed particular interest in understanding their emotions. Combining our classroom education with wellbeing expertise, Coach and Shine CIC will deliver exactly this.

Workshops for Connection and Self-Worth

We have designed a series of workshops focusing on understanding emotion and enhancing connections. In collaboration with Wyre Council, these workshops will be offered for free as part of enrichment activities at participating holiday clubs. Through shared workshops, parents can acquire new skills in supporting their child's wellbeing which can lead to a more positive, family home.

Enhancing Children's Emotional Toolkit

Our activities in holiday clubs will build upon our Super Me workshops, which equip children with a toolkit for self-awareness. We are excited to announce our collaboration with the Lancashire Professional Development Service at Lancashire County Council. These lessons will soon be accessible to school children across Lancashire. We also want to share essential elements of these lessons with parents and carers. This way, they can support their children to flourish even further.

The Importance of Family Involvement

Family involvement is crucial for a child's emotional and mental development. When parents actively participate in their children’s activities, it creates a more enriching environment. Children are not just learning skills; they are also developing bonds with their parents. This deeper connection fosters a sense of security and belonging, which is vital for their overall well-being.

Community Impact

The impact of programmes like Strive's Summer Family Club reaches far beyond the immediate activities. It nurtures community cohesion and supports local families by addressing their needs. The return on investment is significant. With a total social value estimated at £322,321, the initiative demonstrates how early intervention and family engagement can yield positive outcomes.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, as we look to the future, our goal remains clear: to enhance family interactions and community relations through innovative activities. Programmes that prioritise family engagement and wellbeing contribute to the social fabric of our community. By continuing to adapt and refine our approach, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of families and children alike.