This summer, Services for Young People (SfYP) ran an exciting three-week school holiday activity programme across Hertfordshire for young people aged 13 to 16 eligible for free school meals. The programme provided a structured, supportive environment, aimed at promoting physical and mental health, with a focus on personal development and life skills. Young people made friends, gained confidence and explored new interests through a variety of activities, such as sports, art, music-making, and practical sessions to learn skills for the future.
SfYP Youth Workers played a key role in creating an inclusive and encouraging atmosphere during the programme, providing emotional support and helping young people overcome anxiety to join in and make new friends. They were sensitive to individual needs, helping young people to explore their thoughts and feelings, and providing tools to support their emotional wellbeing and build resilience.
"I didn’t know how to cook before… I enjoy doing it now and I will do it more often"
Participants enjoyed a free, nutritious meal each day and learnt valuable cooking skills. Workshops on healthy lifestyles covered nutrition and portion sizes, physical exercise and wellbeing. A bake-off competition in Watford encouraging experimentation with ingredients, cooking techniques and teamwork.
A young person making fruit salad with an SfYP Youth Worker, paella prepared by young people at the Stevenage holiday activity programme and the kitchen set up ready for the bake-off competition at Watford Young People’s Centre.
“I have enjoyed the team building activities as everyone was involved, even the staff.”
Sport and physical activities were a highlight across all programmes, with young people enjoying various indoor and outdoor games, including football, dodgeball and tennis. Coaches from Sporting Inspirations, FitKidz and Stevenage Football Club led sessions to keep young people active, improve their emotional wellbeing, and develop leadership skills. Team-building games in Welwyn Hatfield and adventurous activities like kayaking and caving in Broxbourne added excitement to the programme. A sports day at Dacorum athletics track brought together young people from the Dacorum and St Albans programmes for track events and a rounders match against the SfYP Youth Workers, creating a sense of community and friendly competition.
Young people kayaking at Herts Young Mariners Base in Cheshunt, an SfYP staff member and a young person playing shotput at the Dacorum and St Albans sports day, and young people in Hertsmere enjoying some physical activity with sumo wrestling.
In Stevenage and North Herts, the SfYP Talent Mentor led workshops on communication skills, problem-solving, and creativity. Activities included practical tasks like untangling string intertwined with a partner, encouraging active listening and building resilience. The creativity workshops particularly inspired young people at the Letchworth programme to think ‘outside the box’, without fear of failure.
"I’ve enjoyed talking to people and making new friends."
Young people in all districts expressed themselves through creative activities, such as clay artwork, painting, tie-dye, bead embroidery, and made jewellery, dreamcatchers and memory boxes. These activities encouraged them to help one another and build teamwork skills. Throughout the course of the activities, there were opportunities informal discussions about mindfulness, self-awareness, and how to access support for their wellbeing.
Young people painting portion plates following a healthy eating workshop in North Herts and mindfulness jars created by young people at the Three Rivers holiday activity programme
The inclusive Warriorz street dance workshop for young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Stevenage and North Herts, along with the Theatre Train workshops in Welwyn Hatfield, provided opportunities for young people to use dance and drama to build self-confidence. They proudly showcased their new skills in performances for their peers.
“I liked the workshops, especially with Change Grow Live, as I learnt more about the side effects of drugs...”
Partner organisations delivered workshops on important topics, including mental health, gambling and keeping safe. Herts Young Homeless ran budgeting workshops, helping young people understand the cost of bills and travel. Change Grow Live ran a workshop about the dangers of drug and alcohol misuse and how to get help.
Young people in Hertsmere completing a ‘beer goggle’ obstacle course, a communications workshop led by the SfYP Talent Mentor at the Stevenage holiday activity programme, and young people in Broxbourne learning about managing money at the Herts Young Homeless workshop.
Feedback from parents highlighted the positive changes in their children, including increased happiness, confidence and social skills. One parent commented,
"My daughter has been so much happier with this to do during the summer holidays".
Another parent said,
"Despite reluctance about going along, my son was warmly greeted and instantly put at ease… it has been a daily highlight of the holidays… My son has some additional needs but has been shown nothing but kindness and understanding from all the staff. He has gained so much from spending time at the programme and enjoyed joining in the various activities."
Young people also shared their positive experiences, expressing gratitude for the supportive staff, engaging activities, and valuable skills they gained:
"I like how staff listen and support when I have had a problem."
"Coming here has kept me off the street and given me something to do."
"The Youth Workers are respectful and encouraging. They are motivational and keep me on track …"
"It has helped ease my social anxiety and I am happy that I can get out of the house more."
"I have really enjoyed coming…it has been the best part of my summer holidays. I can’t wait to come back in September."
All young people who attended were invited to join our term-time projects to receive continued support. Our autumn 2024 projects start on 16 September.
Get full details of SfYP projects in your area. If you know or work with a young person who benefit from our support, please use the SfYP referral form or contact your local SfYP Team.
