Station House in Thurnscoe, Rotherham opened their doors to Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner over the summer break to showcase the targeted work they do with children from the Thurnscoe community.

Station House applied for funding from the Commissioner’s community grant scheme and were successful in receiving £3,500 to fund the ‘Summer Fun 4 Everyone’ four week holiday programme.

The programme was aimed at children from five-years to 11-years during the school holidays and was designed to keep them occupied throughout the long summer days.  The programme offered the children a variety of healthy meals throughout the day and a range of activities, both indoor and outdoor to keep them entertained.

Dr Billings visited Station House during one of the activity days. He said: “It was clear to see that all of the children were having a really good time taking part in the outdoor activities.  Although not every child is in food poverty, it is reassuring to see that all of these children engaged in the project were receiving healthy meals throughout the day and were going home feeling full and content.

“Children want to be entertained throughout the school holidays and this is not always easy and affordable for parents.  Station House provided the children with a range of activities in a safe environment, whilst educating them on keeping healthy and keeping them away from harm.”

The grant funding provided a four week course over five days for the young people.

Charlotte Williams, Station House Chief Executive said: “The summer holidays can be a great challenge for families. The cost of keeping children entertained and well fed puts a huge strain on already disadvantaged families in this area.

“The benefits for the whole community are almost immeasurable, quality play experiences as a fundamental building block of child development and children who have good experiences have a much greater chance of becoming adults who are an asset to our community.

“When we invest early we have to be patient to reap the rewards but it’s worth it.

“This funding enabled us to bring in additional staff from Team Active who brought a brilliant new dimension to our established service offer. We have received rave reviews from both the children and their parents. Without this additional funding there is no way that we could have had this great activity club.  Thank you to Dr Billings”.

Station House offer childcare all year round for children in the Thurnscoe area.  They can offer help and advice on how to claim benefits to help with the cost of childcare and signpost parents and carers in to further support agencies, should they be required.

For more information visit the website – http://www.shouse.org.uk/