North Lincolnshire Council has confirmed a significant package of support to widen holiday provision for children and young people this summer, directing close to £400,000 towards a network of community-led activities, free meals and swimming sessions.
Local partners delivering varied opportunities
The council says it is working with sports clubs, village organisations, arts groups, charities and community projects to make sure families in both urban and rural parts of the area can access opportunities near home.
Planned offers include arts and crafts projects, sports and play provision, community tapestry and heritage activities, and involvement in a feature-length documentary marking a local football club’s milestone. The council has highlighted specific examples such as mural-making in Winterton, puppet workshops using recycled materials in Scunthorpe and a community tapestry project in Barrow.
“We want every child in North Lincolnshire to have the chance to enjoy a fantastic summer, make new friends, learn new skills and create lasting memories,” said Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council.
What families can expect
Most activities funded through the programme will be delivered by local organisations and volunteers; the council emphasises that many of the sessions are free for eligible children and will be close to where families live. Free swimming sessions are also being offered over the summer to encourage physical activity and family time.
Council representatives framed the investment as a response to the need for accessible, enriching provision during school holidays and as recognition of the role local groups play in understanding community needs.
- Nearly £400,000 invested in holiday activities and healthy meals.
- Provision covers both urban and rural communities across North Lincolnshire.
- Partners include sports clubs, arts organisations, charities and volunteers.
Examples of planned activities
| Activity | Location / Focus |
|---|---|
| Mural creation | Winterton |
| Puppet workshops (recycled materials) | Scunthorpe |
| Community tapestry project | Barrow |
| Documentary production involvement | Scunthorpe United 125th anniversary project |
The council has not published a full timetable in its announcement; families seeking details about specific sessions, eligibility for free meals or how to book should consult North Lincolnshire Council's holiday activities pages or contact local community hubs and the individual organisations running events.
Cabinet members have underlined the intention that the programme should help children develop new skills, form friendships and enjoy a safe, active summer without placing additional financial pressure on households.
As with previous holiday programmes, the success of this summer’s offer will depend on take-up by families and the capacity of community partners to deliver. The council’s role is primarily to fund and coordinate, leaving frontline delivery to local groups experienced in working with children and young people.
Further updates, including information about locations, age ranges and booking arrangements, will be issued by the council and partner organisations in the coming weeks.
