Hammersmith and Fulham's Summer in the City programme is set to launch on 19 July, offering a wide range of free activities and healthy meals for children and young people during the school holidays.
The programme, which is part of the national Holiday Activity and Food Programme, aims to provide accessible and inclusive opportunities for children to engage in enriching and physical activities, as well as nutritional education. It is open to any child who needs it, with a focus on accessibility and inclusivity. The programme uses a food education platform
and provides a summer in the city cookbook with lots of recipes for families
to promote healthy eating habits.
According to Marcus Robinson, Strategic Commissioner, the council puts in additional funding that allows the programme to provide support over half terms, extend provision to reach other vulnerable children, and hold a range of family events. Last year, the programme supported over 2,300 children, including over 175 children with special education needs, and delivered over 16,000 hot meals.
Natalie Glasby, Head of Programs at LMP Action, detailed the programme's structure, including themed weeks co-designed with the youth council and youth boards. This year's themes include exploring the environment, levelling up, building connections, celebrating creativity and belonging everywhere.
The programme will run for six weeks, offering activities in schools, youth clubs, community centres, parks and public spaces across the borough. This year, 27 providers are involved, including specialist providers for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The selection of providers ensures a wide range of activities, including multi-activity options, sports, performing arts, and food education, spread across the north, central, and south of the borough, catering to various age ranges. A booking system called Plinth allows parents to search for activities based on their child's needs. Families struggling with the Plinth booking system can contact providers directly to book, or the council can book people manually.
Councillor Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader and Responsible for Children and Education, noted that the council website is translatable into 128 languages. She also highlighted that the programme is open access, unlike many other boroughs where eligibility is limited to those on free school meals.
The Summer in the City programme will launch on Saturday 19 July with a community day, linking with Hammersmith and Fulham's community day. The event will feature DJ performances, inflatables, and a Lebanese food truck offering free food for families.
Councillor Mercy Umeh, Chair of Licensing Committee, expressed her appreciation for the programme, saying she was really appreciative that our children have places to go during the holidays
.
Information about the Summer in the City programme is available on the council website, which can be translated into 128 languages. Families can also contact providers directly to book activities.