ActivAte is a vital programme which aims to support the physical and mental wellbeing of primary and secondary school children, through engagement in a wide variety of enrichment and physical activities, and provision of a nutritious meal. We are honoured to run these FREE face to face clubs during the school holidays, in Colchester and Maldon, for children and young people who are eligible for benefits based free school meals, as well as those from low income working families who would benefit from this extra support.
During the festive period we provided 400 hot nutritious meals to Primary aged pupils, from the award winning local restaurant, Timbers. We were also excited to be able to host a Christmas Party, with fun games, music and a Christmas dinner at all of our venues and we also had Ranger Stu attend our Colchester based camps to provide an animal meet and great workshop! This was a fantastic learning experience for the children (and our staff!) to be up close to some unusual animals.
We were delighted to receive the following feedback from the parent of one of our regular participants;
"Indi attended every day during the Christmas camp. He enjoys getting to make new friends, who he reconnects with each time you run the camp. He also enjoys getting out of the house and taking part in a wide range of activities which he may not get to do otherwise, although naturally, football is his favourite activity."
The amazing impact that our sessions provide was seen first-hand by CUCF Coach, Bradley, who said
"The participants really enjoyed the Christmas themed day with Colchester United 1st Team Mascot, Eddie The Eagle, and it was clear to see how much fun the children were having. One of the new participants had initially only registered for the Pre-Christmas camp (as he was unsure if he was going to like it), so we were absolutelty delighted to see him again in the New Year, for the second set of camps - it showed us that we are delivering and providing a fantastic programme for the children that attend."
The Secondary School provision at Shrub End Community & Sports Centre, and Colchester Academy School additionally provided a further 90 hot, healthy meals to our participants as well as engagement in different sports and social activities. It was a real pleasure to see new friendships being made and the amazing impact the Active Essex sessions have during the school holidays.
We rounded off the year on Friday 22nd December when we welcomed 48 secondary school pupils to the Jobserve Community Stadium to watch Colchester United vs Salford, and to take part in an exclusive Match Day Experience. Our attending participants had an exclusive stadium tour, coaching session and an opportunity to meet Colchester United 1st team player Owura Edwards. Everyone also had a hot meal in the Vice President’s lounge and then welcomed both Colchester United and Salford FC onto the pitch via a guard of honour before watching Colchester United get a victory with a win 1-0.