South Tyneside charity Key Community is gearing up for the summer holidays with a programme designed to help families keep children fed, active and engaged throughout the break (20 July – 28 August).
Key will once again provide free craft activities, snacks and take home-recipe bags on board its Key Community Bus, for children from families who could benefit. The bus will operate Tuesday to Thursday, following its usual timetable.
Sessions will be available on a first come, first served basis, with activities and food provided while supplies last. At the end of each visit, families will be able to collect a ‘Busto Pack’ – a recipe kit designed to feed four people, with simple instructions to make meals together at home. One pack will be provided per family.
Key Community Bus is open to everyone, regardless of income – helping people access affordable food, reduce waste and stay connected, often preventing the need for foodbank support.
Children can take part in creative activities on the bus’s upper deck, accessible by staircase only. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the session.
Each recipe kit will include ingredients for a meat, fish or vegetarian meal, helping families prepare affordable, nutritious food together.
No booking is required. Families can simply visit any scheduled stop – details are available at: keycommunity.org.uk/key-community-bus/.
Throughout the summer, Key’s Prevention and Intervention team will also be on board, offering practical advice and support to families who may need it.
Visitors to the bus can also make use of a book swap library and access free pre-loved school uniform, for primary and secondary schools across South Tyneside.
Uniform can also be requested via the charity’s Key to Life Foodbank by messaging their Facebook page (@KeytoLifeFoodbank) or calling 07833 613 393 with details of the school and sizes required.
As part of this year’s programme, families will also have the opportunity to take part in a free coach trip to Beadnell on Thursday 30 July. The visit will include a packed lunch for all attendees, alongside beach-based activities led by Ranger Jane’s Beach School, offering a mix of fun, creativity and learning by the sea.
Further details, including booking information for the trip, can be found at keycommunity.org.uk.
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