With the school summer holidays now underway for most across the city, a new summer activities and food provision programme will be supporting children and families.
Birmingham City Council secured £8 million from the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme to deliver Bring it on Brum.
Children of all ages and background have suffered extensive disruption to schooling due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with those most vulnerable being hit the hardest.
Supported by England football star Marcus Rashford who campaigned for extended free school meal provision during school holidays throughout the pandemic, the HAF was set up to ensure those most affected could access free enrichment activities and food throughout the summer.
Bring it on Brum brings together a network of local schools, community groups and businesses, working together to help make this summer one for local children to remember.
Birmingham City Council Cllr Jayne Francis, cabinet member for education, skills and culture, said: “We know there are families in our city who need support over the summer – with childcare during the working day, and to ensure their children can access good food.”
Activities
With programmes being hosted in schools, community centres, youth centres and in the open air, there’s something for everyone to enjoy with activities including sports; drama; arts and crafts; and a double helping of the annual Northfield Beach with extra dates added in Kings Norton.
Find activities near you:
There are numerous programmes in south west Birmingham with places remaining including Sport for Youth at Colmers astroturf, The Project at Edgewood Hall, Alphabets, the 3 Estates Youth Project, Northfield Arts Forum and Rockets Basketball Club at Bartley Green School.
There are also a range of free activities, including food and refreshments for attending children, at all Northfield and Kings Norton beach events – there is no need to book and these events are open to all, you don’t need to have a child who receives free school meals.
The Bring it on Brum programme is also providing home activity packs for those who don’t want to attend an organised scheme.
Food provision
Most activity programmes include food and refreshments, with the newly formed Digbeth Dining Club C.I.C providing food for several projects, including a cookery school at Northfield and Kings Norton Beaches.
Food boxes for families of four people are also being provided for those not attending programmes – these are currently over-subscribed but there is a waiting list. If you need extra food over the break for any reason, contact your local food bank providers.
Other support
If you need any other family or other support during the summer break, check our local support directory.
For more information visit the Bring it on Brum website.
BVoices is committed in supporting communities across south west Birmingham and surrounding by keeping them informed and engaged. Please see the following:
• Community Chat for south west Birmingham • Coronavirus support
• Community Classroom – Resources for parents & carers
• Community Together • Mental Health & Wellbeing through COVID-19
• Community Kindness • Positive acts during the COVID-19 outbreak
• SW Brum Camera Club – for the love of the lens – Photography Birmingham
• SWBrum Jobs Page
• Community Recycle – Repurpose & Reuse – SW Birmingham & Surrounding