School’s nearly out for the summer break but there’s lots of things going on around the County to keep children and young people occupied. From inside sports (if you want to get into the Olympic vibe) to outside nature activities (if you’re more at home outside), some of them also include being fed and several are free!
| ‘Happy Healthy Holidays Somerset’ is back over the summer break with fun activities and lunchtime food. There’s no payment for children and young people aged 5 – 16 who are eligible for free school meals (up to 12 free sessions) with paid places for others. More information about the programme is available on the Somerset Activity Sports Partnership (SASP) website |
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If you fancy getting down with the Olympic vibe this summer, are aged between 8 – 18, have a disability (and a brother or sister you don’t mind getting active with) there are a variety of multi-sports on offer. Visit the SASP 'Get Active Together' webpage. |
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If an organised activity isn’t your thing, check out Better Health for more activity ideas including 10-minute shake up games or Action for Happiness for monthly themes and daily actions ‘Jump Back Up July’, both free. |
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Enjoy being outdoors? If you like a bit of family competition, why not take part in the SASP Get Outside August Family Challenge - share pictures of you and your family as you’re out and about. Or connect with nature through Somerset Wildlife’s Trust Nature and Wellbeing webpages, check out the calendar and experience a whole load of wild things including community campfires, identifying large mammals or small beasties by the coast or being arty by taking part in ‘the Bugs and Grubs Eco-Art Trail’. |
| If you’re no older than 17 and have an additional need then the Community Inclusion and Activities Team are waiting to hear from you with a whole load of family friendly, fun, local things to do that are free or low cost. Check out the Summer 2024 Activity Team Club Booklet to become a ‘Green Goblin playing board games’, ‘a Purple Elephant crafter’ or take up ‘bouldering by the coast’. |
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If you are a young person (or parent / carer) living in Bridgwater or Taunton, want to know what’s going on and need a bit of support, call into one of the town centre spaces to meet the Safer Spaces Team. Check out the Somerset Violence Reduction Partnerships website or head to McDonalds in Taunton (Sat 3pm – 5pm) or Coffee#1 in Bridgwater (Friday 4pm – 6pm) |
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Doing all this activity means you’re going to be hungry! Healthy Somerset has lots of resources including recipe cards, top tips for eating on a budget, being sugar smart, and helping make your food go further. There are several Community Fridges and Food Banks across the County to help families make their budgets go further. If you’re looking for an introduction to ‘growing things’ whether for fun, as a serious grower or both visit ‘growing your own produce’ from windowsill cress heads to a whole plot of veg. |
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As well as having fun don’t forget to keep safe and look after yourself over the summer. Stay hydrated and be sun aware and be mindful around open water.. Remember you still need to keep on top of any long-term conditions e.g. asthma so, make sure you carry any meds you may need and make activity leaders aware if needed. |
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Check out our Summer Break Mental Health & Wellbeing Help for Young People and Families - Somerset children & young people: Mental Health & Wellbeing Bulletin
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