Derbyshire’s specialist child exploitation charity, Safe and Sound, have supported more than 100 young people and families over the summer with a bespoke Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF).
Around 1,800 meals have been delivered to families over the past six weeks.
Meanwhile young people enjoyed an array of activities including a private cinema screening, fishing, boxing, BMX and basketball coaching sessions, days out to visitor attractions and the opportunity to learn practical skills such as woodwork and bath bombs.
The HAF programme is part of Safe and Sound’s grassroots work to support local children and young people who have been victims of exploitation or who are at risk of becoming exploited and was in addition to
the charity’s specialist one to one support for young people and their families to enable them to take back control of their lives.
Tracy Harrison is CEO of Safe and Sound which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year of supporting young people and families across the city and county.
She explained: “This was our most ambitious HAF programme to date and the feedback from the young people we support and their families has been incredible.
“The meals and delivery of menu stock cupboard essentials have been a lifeline for many families who were dreading how they would put food on the table due to the cost of living crisis.
“Furthermore, positive activities for young people of all ages have helped to re-build their self-confidence and resilience and, most importantly, have given them memorable experiences that they will always remember.
“The staff and volunteers at Safe and Sound have been amazing – going above and beyond to deliver the summer programme - and we are extremely grateful to the businesses and organisations who ensured that the activities were such a resounding success.
“We are now planning our October holiday activities and Christmas HAF programmes which will give everyone something to look forward to as we enter the Autumn and be a fitting end to our busy 20th anniversary year.”
For more information about the work of Safe and Sound and how to support them during their 20th anniversary year, please visit www.safeandsoundgroup.org.uk