Aston children enjoy four weeks of summer fun, friendship and new experiences

Four weeks of laughter, creativity, friendship and discovery have come to an end in Aston, Birmingham, as dozens of local children took part in a packed summer programme designed to give them somewhere to belong and plenty to look forward to during the school holidays. 

The Salvation Army Aston 614, working in partnership with Golden Stars Kids (a Department for Education funded initiative), welcomed around 36 children each day to its Summer HAF activities, which ran between mid-July to mid-August. 

The programme provided a safe, fun and supportive space for children aged eight to 15 to stay active, make friends and try something new, with youth volunteers aged 16 and over also helping to bring the activities to life.

From sports and gaming to music production, filmmaking, cooking, arts, STEM activities and wellbeing sessions, there was something for everyone. Children could also arrive early for a free breakfast before getting stuck into the day's programme. 

For many families, the support went beyond activities. Every child received a healthy lunch each day, with around 576 meals provided over the four weeks. Thanks to additional support from The Salvation Army, the programme was able to welcome children who were not funded through the Department for Education's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. 

Other visiting organisations also provided wellbeing advice and support, giving children access to information and encouragement alongside the fun. 

Daniel Squires, Community Manager at The Salvation Army Aston 614 said: 

“There has been such amazing energy throughout these four weeks. Every day we have seen children arrive with different personalities, interests and experiences, and then watched them get involved, make friends and discover things they didn't know they could do. 

“What makes this programme so special is the sense of community around it. Staff, volunteers, partner organisations and The Salvation Army have all played their part in creating something that reaches beyond the activities themselves. We have created a place where children can have fun and feel valued.”

Isha Stewart-Whyte, spokesperson of the Golden Stars Kids Club, said:  

“We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved and grateful to everyone who has helped make it happen. Hopefully, when the children look back on their summer, they won't just remember the games, food and activities. They will remember the friendships they made, the things they discovered about themselves and the feeling of being part of something.” 

Just in its second year of collaboration, The Salvation Army Aston 614 and Golden Stars Kids have worked together to deliver the summer activities, building on a partnership focused on giving local children positive experiences during the holidays. 

The Aston 614 summer scheme is part of The Salvation Army’s wider commitment to tackling youth isolation and holiday hunger, with similar programmes running across the West Midlands and beyond. Families in Aston can sign up by contacting the centre directly via social media, or in person. 

Aston 614 has served young people and their families in the community since 2006. It is a Salvation Army Youth Centre based in Aston, and runs a range of activities, programmes and services, including after-school drop-ins, mentoring, sports, and Arts Award qualifications in music production, comic book creation, animation and more! 

For updates and highlights from the summer scheme, follow @Aston_614 on Instagram and Facebook. 

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