As summer draws to a close, we’re looking back on a season filled not only with fun but also with tremendous growth for the children and young people we support. From action-packed group sessions to exciting trips and tailored 1:1 support, this summer has been all about making memories while fostering important life skills.
A Summer of Impact
We’re thrilled to have delivered 181 sessions this summer, supporting over 125 children and young people. With 645 attendances and 2896 hours of support, we’ve been able to offer tailored activities that meet the unique needs of each child. Whether they were attending in groups or benefiting from 1:1 sessions, the growth we’ve seen has been inspiring. Many of the young people have gained confidence not only in themselves but also in how they engage with their peers and the wider world.
This summer, we worked in partnership with Bristol Beacon and Travelling Light Theatre Company to deliver weekly Music and Drama Sessions, enabling our Children and Young People to explore their creativity through engaging and fun activities. Using their imagination, musical instruments, props, costumes, and so much more, they were able to express themselves in new and exciting ways.
Tailored Activities for Every Interest
Our summer program was designed to cater to the diverse interests of the children and young people we support. By offering a variety of engaging activities, we’ve seen improvements in areas like communication and social skills. Whether it was a group game that required teamwork or a creative project that encouraged self-expression, each child had the opportunity to develop their ability to connect with others and navigate social settings more comfortably.
We also had lots of fun in our centre-based sessions, where sensory play got messy with flour, foam, and slime, and physical activities kept everyone active with support from Bristol Bears. Our B&Nes Holiday Scheme delighted participants with a Hawaiian-themed play session, full of costumes and team games, while other sessions fostered active participation in new and fun ways.
Making Memories Beyond the Usual Spaces
This summer wasn’t just about familiar spaces. Our day trips allowed young people to explore new environments, which not only made for exciting adventures but also helped them grow in confidence. Our Youth provision got up to lots of exciting things, including a circus workshop with Circomedia, visiting the recently reopened We The Curious, and a fun day out to Weston-Super-Mare Pier. Along with these adventures, they received healthy meals and enjoyed catching up with friends.
Additionally, we supported Bristol’s North Playday, which saw over 1,000 children attending and playing, creating wonderful memories for all involved.
One of our befrienders even attended a residential trip with their Young Person, supporting them to participate in numerous fun activities away from their family home. These experiences of travelling independently and stepping outside comfort zones have contributed to their growing sense of autonomy, giving them a chance to learn new skills and feel more confident accessing their communities.
A Team to Be Proud Of
None of this would have been possible without our dedicated staff, whose commitment to making every session meaningful is at the heart of our success. Their ability to provide a supportive, safe, and encouraging environment has been instrumental in boosting the mental well-being of the children and young people we support, as well as providing a much-needed break for their parents and carers.
As Matt Justice, our Head of Children and Young People’s Services, reflected:
“This summer has been our busiest yet! I am incredibly proud of our amazing team of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the summer holidays to put on a jam-packed offer! Visiting provision and seeing the difference it makes to the Children and Young People we support, whether that is fostering new relationships, trying something they’ve never done before, or getting out and about in the fresh air, makes me extremely proud to work at WECIL and lead such a fantastic team. We could not do this without the support, determination, and commitment of our team, funders, or the local authorities we work with. Here’s to next summer being bigger, busier, and to supporting even more Children and Young People!”
Looking Ahead
As we look toward the future, we’re excited to build on the progress made this summer. With more activities planned, we’re committed to helping the children and young people in our community continue to grow, thrive, and enjoy everything WECIL’s Children and Young People’s Services has to offer.
Thank you to everyone who made this summer such a success. Here’s to even more fun, growth, and adventure ahead!
