For many families, the school holidays aren’t a break. They’re a stretch. Routines disappear, costs rise, and for parents already dealing with isolation or financial pressure, the weeks can feel long and lonely. Children who rely on school for meals, structure and social contact can find themselves with very little to do and nowhere to go.
This summer, the Family Action Summer Fund helped to change that. With the help of our supporters and local communities, Family Action teams across the country created inclusive events that brought people together, giving families access to days out, experiences and connections that can often feel out of reach, not only financially but practically and emotionally too.
Families from our South Tees Perinatal Service soaked up the rays in Saltburn while enjoying fish and chips and the company and much-needed support of other families. Many of the parents and carers at the event had experienced isolation, like Nicole. She told us:
It means a lot to us to be here today, and the service is so good for mothers in general. It makes a huge difference to their mental health and confidence. Postnatal depression happens more than you think, and the service helps people get over a difficult time, by coming to see you every week.
Days like today remind us that we're part of a community.
Included in everything
In Manchester, families from our Empowering Parents, Empowering Communities (EPEC) programme braved wind and rain for a day of inclusive cycling, followed by a picnic back at the Family Hub.
For Kumudha, one of the parents at the event, the day was a milestone. Her son has additional needs and had never been on a bike before, but the session’s specially adapted cycles meant he could join in for the first time.
Kumudha said: “This session allowed us to use a specially altered bike, and it was nice to do it with him… he was included in everything.”
He loves riding in cars, but this is the first time he's been on a bike!
Nurturing nature
In Peterborough, children graduating from our pre-school took home something they’d grown themselves: a plant pot containing the fuchsias and azaleas they had planted in the grounds earlier this year and cared for throughout the summer. For children without access to a garden, it was a chance to nurture something of their own.
Deputy Supervisor Belinda said: “There aren’t many gardens or green spaces in the local area and this is the one green space some of our kids will regularly access, so we let them take a little bit home with them in the form of a potted plant.”
The floral theme continued in Welwyn at our Family Time sessions, where children decorated a plant pot with the support of their parents before planting a forget-me-not seed, spending quality time together while creating a keepsake that will go on growing long after the day itself.
I loved making this with mummy, she loves flowers and I can watch them grow.
Part of a bigger picture
In Leeds, adopted young people and their families who access our PAC-UK Adopteens service came together for a day of communal art-making. For mum Claire, what mattered wasn’t the painting. It was watching her son feel like he belonged.
She said:
My son made really good friends through Adopteens and, although he doesn’t know anyone here today, I can tell he still feels accepted.
Each person painted large canvases designed to fit together into a larger whole, a huge tree featuring details such as nestling animals. Plans to assemble it on the grounds and photograph it from the roof were thwarted by the wind, but the finished work will be preserved for a planned art exhibition next year.
A chance to be children
There was a similar sense of belonging at our Leeds Young Carers Service, where around a dozen young people got together for a nature-themed day at a local Environment Centre.
For young people who spend much of their time caring for a family member, it was a rare chance to simply be children, playing games, learning about the natural world, and enjoying each other’s company.
I enjoyed making hammocks… It's been right nice. I don't usually get the chance to get so close to nature.
Finally, the party vibes were in full force in Walsall, where our Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) held a princess and superhero-themed event for families with children with special educational needs and disabilities. Children of all ages enjoyed a free ice cream from a real ice cream van, took part in sporting activities, got their faces painted and even met Pikachu, with a quiet area available for anyone who got a bit overwhelmed.
For one parent, it was the inclusivity that stood out.
It was a lovely event, and I would love for there to be more… It was refreshing for all children to be included at their own pace.
From a first bike ride to a forget-me-not seed, these moments of connection, inclusion and joy only happen because people choose to support Family Action. As the nights draw in and families begin to face the pressures of winter, your support can help us be there for the families who need us most.
A huge thanks to all our supporters for helping these events happen – and if you’re considering becoming one of our Family supporters click here to find out more.
