Andy Munns
Wiltshire Council has confirmed its summer FUEL programme will take place, with a range of organisations stepping in to support families following the previous provider ceasing trading.
In May, the council was informed that its FUEL programme provider partner, Learn By Design, was ceasing to trade, and so would not be putting on activities this summer.
In response to this situation, Wiltshire Council rapidly invited a range of organisations to submit their interest in running the programme instead and, following a very positive response, the programme will take place.
In total, 16 organisations will run the summer programme, providing 26 activity camps throughout the county from the end of July. The camps will again include a range of fun activities and nutritious meals for children from eligible families.
Families are advised that booking arrangements and the programme itself will be slightly different this year, given the circumstances.
FUEL (Food Unity, Energy, Laughter) is a Wiltshire programme funded by the Department for Education to help young people who are eligible for benefits related free school meals have free access to activities and nutritious meals during the school holidays.
Magna Learning Partnership, who runs many schools and colleges in Salisbury, will run much of the programme in our area alongside District Sports and Astrella. They will work in partnership alongside Salisbury City Council and Wiltshire Council to put the programme on.
The FUEL programme in Wiltshire has provided thousands of children with activities and nutritious meals during school holidays.
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Public Health said: “Although we were hopeful that some organisations would step up to run this programme, we are absolutely delighted with the response we have received.
“Everyone involved with this programme knows just how it important it is to the families who use it, and we’re looking forward to working with new partners to put on a range of fun activities over the summer holiday throughout the county.”
Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “This programme provides such valuable support to families and I’d like to thank all involved for working so hard to ensure it can take place this summer. I’ve been lucky to attend some sessions and they’re always fun and full of energy. So even though some of the sessions might be a little different than before, I know the children will have a great time.”
Discussions about the format of future programmes will be discussed in due course.
All the information that people need, including how to book places, locations, dates, times and who is running the sessions can be found at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/FUEL-programme.
