Services for Young People (SfYP) ran four engaging summer holiday activity programmes covering all 10 districts of Hertfordshire, each with a different focus to cater for a range of young people’s needs. The programmes were well attended and the young people gave positive feedback about the impact of the content on their confidence, self-care skills and knowledge about a wide range of topics.
HAPpy Holiday Activity programmes
“It has helped me be healthy and have healthy relationships with people.”
Over 250 young people attended the three-week HAPpy programmes, which were for young people eligible for benefits-related free school meals and focused on healthy lifestyles. The participants had a free hot lunch every day and developed their cooking skills and knowledge of nutrition in the training kitchens at SfYP young people’s centres. They also kept active and developed their social skills with a range of sports and fun teambuilding challenges.
Some of the sessions were led by external partners, such as the police and Herts Young Homeless. These gave young people the opportunity to consider the wider context of keeping healthy, such as the importance of maintaining good mental health, positive relationships and keeping safe.
Positive Pathways activity programmes
“I have enjoyed exploring my future and goals, it has helped me choose what paths I need to take to get there.”
The Positive Pathways programme provided the young people who took part with the information and skills to find positive solutions to challenges in their lives and to reflect on their aspirations for the future.
Through a variety of creative activities and informative group challenges, young people learnt about the impact of antisocial behaviour; the law regarding bullying, hate crime and coercive control; conflict resolution and appropriate reporting channels.
National Citizen Service (NCS) summer programmes
“I’ve learnt how to become a leader and make sure everyone is involved.”
Over 200 young people took part in the two-week summer NCS personal and social development programmes with SfYP this year. In the first week they stayed at the University of Bedfordshire, learning new skills through interactive workshops, and improving their communication and leadership skills by taking part in a range of team-building challenges.
The second week of the programmes involved working in teams to devise and carry out social action projects, volunteering and raising money in creative ways for a charity they felt passionate about. The young people were extremely proud of their achievements and many plan to continue to volunteer and raise awareness for their charities.
Go Wild at Hudnall summer sessions
“I really enjoyed the day… observing and identifying the wildlife was therapeutic.”
Young people aged 13 to 17 who are living with or at risk of mental health issues had the unique opportunity to connect with nature during eight fun sessions at Hudnall Park throughout July and August. They learnt about a variety of wildlife and practiced nature-based mindfulness to improve their mental and emotional wellbeing.
SfYP’s support for young people continues through our term-time projects, which are now running across Hertfordshire. If you know a young person who would benefit from support from SfYP, please see full details of our projects:
