Aim
The primary goal of this initiative was to organise a series of sports days in under-served communities, specifically targeting children, young people and families who had not previously accessed the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. The events were designed to provide fun, inclusive, and accessible physical activities, as well as nutritional education and community support.
Locations:
- Sheldon Country Park, Yardley
- Farm Park, Sparkbrook, Hall Green
Collaborative Partnership
The events were organised through a partnership of Local Trusted Organisations (LTOs) and HAF providers via the Yardley and Hall Green networks. A spirit of collaboration was key, with partners pooling their skills, marketing efforts, and communication strategies to ensure the widest possible reach. The collective action of these organisations played a crucial role in targeting children and families who had not accessed HAF before.
The planning of these events was supported by Early Help and The Active Wellbeing Society, and led by Elms Farm Primary School. The following LTOs contributed to the successful execution of the events:
- Yardley Tennis Club
- Birmingham United Football Club
- Fit Kidz Zone
- Kate Swann Dance Academy
- Aura Up Martial Arts
- Andalus Archers Club
Elms Farm Primary School staff provided Netball and Football activities, while other organisations offered various sports and recreational sessions tailored to engage children and young people from different backgrounds.
Event Planning and Logistics
For the Farm Park event, the team took extra steps to ensure safety and accessibility. With support from The Active Wellbeing Society, two surrounding roads were temporarily closed to create a safe environment for participants. Pre-event consultation with local residents was conducted and they showed strong support for the initiative. Additionally, a pre- and post-event litter pick was organised to maintain a clean environment and foster a sense of community responsibility.
Nutritional Engagement
Bring it on Brum! led the nutritional aspect of the events, creating a space for interactive and educational fruit preparation stations. These stations proved very popular, with participants making fruit salads, fruit kebabs, and ice pops. Engaging conversations were held with parents, who were shown how to recreate these healthy snacks at home, promoting healthier eating habits within families.
Food Festival at Concorde Youth Centre
In addition to the sports days, a food festival was organised at Concorde Youth Centre in partnership with Digbeth Dining. This event focused on families working together to prepare a variety of healthy foods, including fruit sundaes, healthy pot noodles and a taste-test quiz comparing branded and non-branded items. This interactive approach helped families, particularly those with picky eaters, explore ways to make nutritious meals fun and accessible.
Impact and Outcomes
- Attendance: Over the two events, 350 different children participated, with 90% of them eligible for Free School Meals. Every child was provided a meal as part of the HAF programme.
- New Sign-ups: Over 100 families signed up their children for additional HAF activities for the remainder of the summer, demonstrating the success of the events in reaching previously unengaged families.
- Community Support: Throughout the day, various community support organizations hosted market stalls offering advice and resources to families in attendance. This provided a holistic approach to supporting local communities, offering not just sports and nutrition, but also access to broader support services.
Conclusion
The collaborative effort between LTOs, HAF providers and community support organisations resulted in two highly successful sports days in areas of high deprivation. By working together, the partners created safe, fun and educational environments for children and families, many of whom had not previously accessed HAF. The events helped break down barriers to participation, promoted healthy lifestyles and connected families to additional support services, ensuring a lasting impact in the community.
This needs-led, collaborative approach demonstrates how bringing together local expertise and resources can create meaningful opportunities for children and families in underserved areas.