Wrapping up Summer at Our Community Hubs 🌻🍦🍓

It’s been a busy, fun-filled summer across our community hubs, with families, children and young people making the most of the holidays before heading back to school.

At the Vassall Community Hub, we kicked things off with a Summer Picnic at Oldbury Court Park. Families enjoyed games, crafts, football, face-painting and more – and the sun even made an appearance! 🌤️

The picnic wasn’t just a fun day out – it was also a brilliant showcase of what families can access locally. Partners ran activity tasters throughout the day, giving children a chance to get creative, active and inspired:

• ⚽ Bristol City Robins Foundation led energetic football coaching sessions
• 🏗️ Children’s Scrapstore helped children build a whole Cardboard City of houses, boats and even an archway, all from recycled materials
• 🐛 East Bristol Children’s Centre brought jellyfish and caterpillar crafts
• ✨ Bizzy Kids Club added a bit of magic with their wand-making station
• 🏃 Chartwells kept everyone moving with food-themed games
• 🎨 Face-painting was offered by Bristol Charities staff
• 👮 Local community police joined the fun with All Saints Family Café offering temporary tattoos

And of course, no picnic is complete without food – the Secret Soup Society provided a delicious, healthy picnic lunch with falafel wraps, strawberries, watermelon and plenty of picnic favourites.

As well as being a fantastic day out, the event gave families the chance to try taster sessions from Your Holiday Hub (HAF) providers. This meant parents could see first-hand what was on offer across the city through the funded holiday programme, ask questions, and get support with bookings.

On Mondays throughout the holidays, the Vassall Hub also opened its doors for extended youth sessions – giving young people space to hang out, get creative, play games and share food together in a safe and friendly environment.

Meanwhile at the Stockwood Community Hub, staff pulled together a guide to all the activities happening locally for children and young people – not just HAF activities, but a full range of clubs, sessions and events on offer locally. This made it easy for families to find what was happening on their doorstep and make the most of summer.

Together, these activities brought families together, helped young people try new things, and built community connections that will carry into the school year ahead.

“It was brilliant to see so many local families enjoying the park, getting creative, and spending time together,” said Zoe Williams, Community Hub Manager at the Vassall Hub. “We’re proud to have brought so many local partners together – and to show what’s available to families through the Holiday Hub.”

Now as September arrives, we’re looking back with gratitude for everyone who joined us this summer – and looking forward to welcoming you back into Community Hubs for our autumn programmes.