Trust Summer Spectacular success

Birmingham Children’s Trust is delighted to confirm its Summer Spectacular programme for young people across the city is already proving to be a big success. In the first week alone over 1,000 children, young people, parents and carers took part in activities.

In partnership with Teamwork’s Karting, the Trust is hosting exciting activities every morning in August 2021, as part of the Holiday Activity and Food Programme - a unique enrichment scheme.

The full programme in Birmingham is being delivered by Street Games, who the Trust is delighted to continue working in partnership with. The programme aims to provide a vast array of sports related opportunities as well as creative activities and opportunities.

The programme will provide the best of Birmingham delivering enriching and engaging activities, ranging from sports and dance to poetry, contact with wonderful exotic live creatures, drumming and healthy eating guidance, boxing and martial arts, arts and crafts, balloon modelling, video-based learning of hockey, football, basketball, rugby and netball delivered by Olympian and elite athletes, cycle maintenance and face painting. Plus, a nutritious healthy hot lunch will be provided for all.

At the core are the thrilling experiences of indoor karting, laser tag and virtual simulator racing – to give the children and young people life changing experiences and opportunities following the global pandemic, a real sense together that the fun is back!

The activities aim to enhance the wellbeing, resilience, confidence and experience of young people who will otherwise not have such opportunities. The activities will be provided in a safe environment, with engagement and great social inclusion, connecting to peers and adult supervisors alike. Each session add to an understanding of nutrition and health and will support each young person’s wider educational attainment.

Andy Couldrick, Chief Executive at Birmingham Children’s Trust, said:

“We are delighted to be able to offer such a rich and diverse programme of opportunities for our children and young people this summer. As we all prepare and warm up for next year's Commonwealth Games, there's never been a better time to inspire our young people”

Councillor Sharon Thompson, Cabinet Member for Vulnerable Children and Families, said:

"The pandemic has had a huge impact on young people, leaving many feeling socially isolated. I am absolutely thrilled to see this partnership between Birmingham's Children's Trust and Teamworks Karting. Having already visited Teamworks Karting I know young people will have a fun and action-packed Summer this year. I was delighted to hear that over 1000 young people have accessed the provision in the first week. Congratulations to all involved."

Myles Hesson, Team GB Basketball Captain said:

“I think it’s very important for children of all backgrounds and living circumstances to be given the opportunity to have a hot meal and engage in a variety of different activities to stay active throughout the summer holidays. The work that Birmingham Children’s Trust is doing is invaluable, and I am happy to be a part of it.”

Simone Schehtman, Founding Director, Teamworks Karting Ltd said:

“Teamworks Karting are delighted to be Birmingham Children’s Trust’s chosen partner to deliver a Summer Spectacular this entire August. After a difficult 18 months that young people across our city and wider region have endured, this month will be packed with great excitement, enrichment and action, enabling well-being, feel-good and unforgettable positive experiences.  A month of fun and at last - something to celebrate!”

The Trust Summer Spectacular programme is part of Bring it on Brum!  An £8m fund was secured for Birmingham from the Department for Education’s Holiday Activity Fund to deliver Bring it on Brum! More than 210,000 free spaces for children through the six weeks of the summer holiday at 220 local holiday clubs, almost all within walking distance of those who need it most. Clubs will be run by a whole network of partners including, to date, 30 schools plus community groups and commercial activity providers. 

Open to families with school-aged children, aged 5-16, daily activities and food are being laid on for free – helpful for those who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Throughout the city there are approximately 70,000 children on free school meals.

For more information about Bring it on Brum! go to: www.bringitonbrum.co.uk

Picture caption: (Top left - right) Jeevan Chagger Birmingham 2022 Hometown Hero, Councillor Sharon Thompson, Birmingham City Council Cabinet Member for Vulnerable Children and Families, Natalie Loon Partnership Manager at Birmingham Childrens Trust, Alex Hillman Corporate Parenting Coordinator at Birmingham Children’s Trust. (Bottom left – right) Simone Schehtman Founding Director Teamwork’s Karting, Myles Hesson Captain Great British Basketball Team, Sally Walton Team GB Olympic Medallist (Hockey @ London 2012)