Dumfries and Galloway Council has invested £264,000 of funding that will provide free activities to ensure that children and young people across the region have a Summer to remember.
Activities are available from Thursday 2 July until Wednesday 19 August and are specifically aimed at children and young people aged 5–18 years old (up to 25 years old for care experienced young people) who are within the priority groups that the funding is aimed at.
The activities on offer will give young people the opportunity to meet with their friends, make new friends, and to take part in fun and free activities and new opportunities.
The programmes and activities available throughout the duration of the school summer holidays will provide support to children and young people who may otherwise struggle to access experiences during the holidays, giving them the opportunity to play, socialise and get to know organisations and services within their local community.
Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Education Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee Councillor Tracey Little said:
“There is something for everyone as part of this fantastic summer programme of activities that are on offer. All activities are entirely free to attend, and this further emphasises our council’s commitment to tackling and alleviating child poverty across our region.
“We have a fantastic range of organisations delivering activities for children and young people throughout the Summer the length and breadth of Dumfries and Galloway.”
There are activities for all ages, and all interests including golf and football sessions, community fun days, magic workshops, arts sessions, summer camps, day trips, creative and performing arts sessions and much more.
Vice Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Education Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee Councillor George Jamieson said:
“We would encourage all young people who are aged 5–18 to make the most of this opportunity and to try something new this summer.
“Head over to our dedicated website for a full list of what is available across Dumfries and Galloway through Summer of Play – you can search for activities based on where you live, or what your interests are.”
The young people who were involved in the Summer of Play through the co-production groups have ensured that the activities on offer across Dumfries and Galloway have been designed by young people, for young people through co-design with organisations, and that the opportunities are spread the length and breadth of the region.
Young people also sat on the independent scoring panel, ensuring that the activities will make a positive difference to young people in communities across Dumfries and Galloway.
Teo Calimac, Chairperson of Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council said:
“We received a high number of applications for this funding, and it was great to be able to award funding to organisations and groups that can genuinely make a difference to the lives of young people and I cannot wait to see young people across Dumfries and Galloway having an amazing Summer with their friends.
“Make sure you visit the Youth Enquiry Service website for full details of what is on near you, and how you can sign up.”
To see all that is on offer, and how to sign up for activities, please visit: www.youthenquiryservice.org/whats-on