Activities ranging from basketball to a teddy bear’s picnic are being offered to children and young people in Reading by Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) this summer.

Our children’s centres and youth teams have put together a busy programme of events for all tastes and ages during the school holidays.

And even more activities are being offered to children and young people through the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme.

Children’s Centres

Reading’s children’s centres are offering a selection of face-to-face and virtual activities from Monday 26 July to Friday 27 August. They include Yoga and Movement in Palmer Park; Getting to know your Bump (for parents-to-be) in Southcote Children’s Centre and Storytime in the Park at several locations around the borough.

There are also regular Buggy Walks in Caversham, Cintra Park and Coley Park, Toe to Head baby massage and Rhyme Time at centres around Reading. Find out more at: https://brighterfuturesforchildren.org/for-parents-carers/activities-things-to-do/

Youth team

Each week our youth team will be out and about in the borough as well as holding some special summer activities. These include a basketball tournament, archery, frisbee golf, giant Jenga and Connect 4, football, cycling, a bike and scooter festival and summer community festivals to mark the end of the holidays.

Visit the Young People’s Zone on the BFfC website for details.

Holiday Activity & Food (HAF) programme

Brighter Futures for Children is co-ordinating the HAF programme throughout the school holidays on behalf of Reading Borough Council. These activities are available to children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

There is a wide variety of holiday camps and clubs across the borough and they will also provide a nutritious lunch every day.

Organisations offering activities include Get Active Sports, Nature Nurture, Energy Kidz, Face Adventures, Reading Football Club and many more.

Eligible families who have not already registered for a free place can still do so at: https://brighterfuturesforchildren.org/for-parents-carers/haf/

Also, the Family Information Service has a page of activities and events for families over the summer and it will be constantly updated.

Deborah Glassbrook, Director of Children’s Services at Brighter Futures for Children, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer such a wide range of activities and events for children and young people in Reading this summer.

“Our children’s centres and youth teams have continued to be there for Reading’s children, young people and families throughout the pandemic, even if it has sometimes been virtually.

“They will continue to provide fun, energetic activities remotely and face-to-face throughout the summer to make sure as many people as possible can take part.”

Cllr Liz Terry, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Children’s Services, said: “It has been another difficult year for our children and young people and I hope this programme of activities will help make it a summer they can really enjoy.

“I am particularly pleased to see the great range of holiday camps and clubs on offer free of charge through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

“I would encourage as many families as possible to take advantage of these excellent summer activities.”