Chard Community Hub expands free family activities for the summer holidays
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Families across South Somerset are being invited to take advantage of a wide range of free activities and support services during the school summer holidays, as Chard Community Hub expands its programme for children and young people.
The Hub has developed an extensive timetable of events designed to help ease some of the pressures that the school holidays can place on families, while ensuring children of all ages have access to fun, educational and supportive activities.
The summer programme has been organised by the Hub’s Early Years Lead, Megan Parfoot, in partnership with a number of local organisations, including Young Somerset, Gillingham Grange Care Home, Great Mead, Holyrood Academy, the NHS and Reach.
Activities are available for children and young people of all ages. Families with babies and toddlers can attend Healthy Little Ones sessions with the Health Visiting Team, while young children also have the opportunity to enjoy shared reading sessions with residents at Gillingham Grange Care Home.
Other activities include holiday play sessions, arts and crafts, cinema-style experiences and youth sessions, while teenagers can also access relationship and sexual health advice through bookable appointments at the Youth Hub.
“Our aim is to provide a safe space for families to meet and spend time with people from their local area,” said Megan Parfoot. “All of our sessions are free, so please do drop in.”
The Hub is also continuing its popular pre-loved school uniform scheme throughout the summer on a ‘pay what you can’ basis, helping families prepare for the new school term without placing additional strain on household budgets.
Samples of Holyrood Academy uniform are also available for young people to try on before ordering the correct sizes.
Alongside the holiday activities, Chard Community Hub continues to provide year-round support through its Community Fridge, Pantry Scheme, RSPCA pet food bank, baby bank, social wellbeing groups and signposting services, helping to keep local families happy, healthy and well supported.
( Photos: Chard Community Hub 📸 )