Corby Children Benefit from Holiday Programme Supported by Oakland Foundation

Lucky children from Corby are enjoying active and enriching school holiday experiences thanks to support from children's charity Oakland Foundation.

During a recent visit to Athena Activities' holiday programme at Corby Old Village School, Oakland Foundation Trustee and Grants Coordinator Mark Williams witnessed first-hand the positive impact the sessions are having on local families.

Oakland Foundation Trustee and Grants Coordinator Mark Williams with Rosemary Saunders, Director of Corby Sports Dimensions, and children attending a holiday activities session at Corby Old Village School.

Young people taking part enjoyed a range of outdoor activities designed to build confidence, teamwork and resilience, including dodgeball, den building and climbing challenges.

Mark said: "Seeing the children enjoying themselves and taking part in such a wide range of outdoor activities was fantastic. What struck me most was the genuine benefit these programmes bring for many families.

"The opportunities Athena Activities provides help young people stay active, make friends, build confidence and enjoy experiences they may not otherwise have access to. The work being carried out by the team is making a real difference within the local community."

Athena Activities has been supporting families across Corby, Kettering and surrounding communities since 2009. As a delivery partner for the Government's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, the organisation works with children from low-income households, those eligible for free school meals and families facing difficult circumstances.

The Oakland Foundation has partnered with Athena Activities since 2023, helping to fund programmes that provide safe, supportive environments during school holidays, particularly when alternative funding is unavailable. Previous support has helped tackle holiday hunger and fund festive activities for local families.

Rosemary Saunders, Director of Athena Activities, said: “Support from the Oakland Foundation makes a genuine difference to the families we work with. This summer, their funding has enabled some children to attend for an additional 14 days beyond their Government-funded HAF places, providing much-needed continuity throughout the school holidays.

“We are supporting families experiencing some particularly challenging circumstances this summer. The additional funded places mean their children can continue attending camp in a safe, familiar and enjoyable environment while their parents manage significant pressures at home. For some families, this provides vital stability for their children and practical support for parents at a very difficult time.

“Oakland’s funding also helps us remove other barriers to attendance. We use our minibus to collect children from across Corby whose families may otherwise struggle with transport, and the funding helps us provide snacks and lunches during their day. It also enables parents to continue working throughout the summer holidays, helping them maintain much-needed income for their families.

“For us, this support is about much more than providing additional days at a holiday camp. It allows us to respond to what individual families need and ensure that children who can benefit most from our provision are able to access it.”

Oakland Foundation Trustee Peter Vaughan added: "As a children's charity, we are committed to helping young people access opportunities that support their wellbeing, development and future potential. Athena Activities is delivering valuable support for children and families across the community, and we are delighted to help them continue this important work."

For more information about The Oakland Foundation visit www.oakland-foundation.com.