Southwark invites children and young people to join Summer of Play
28 July 2021
School’s out and throughout the holidays, as part of Southwark Council’s Summer of Play programme, an array of exciting events and activities are open to children and families.
From multi-sports camps in Southwark’s many parks and youth clubs to theatre workshops to get your creative juices flowing, there is something for everyone as young people across the borough are invited to a Summer of Play aimed at restoring and repairing their mental and physical wellbeing.
Cllr Jasmine Ali, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “After everything children and young people have been through over the last year, it’s so important that we give them the space, time and freedom to unwind. We’re launching a host of activities across Southwark this summer to help young people rediscover all the things they’ve greatly missed, like making new friends and having fun trying their hand at something new while being out in nature, which are so essential to their health and wellbeing.”
Over 120 families joined Cllr Ali and her children at Lavender Pond Nature Reserve in Rotherhithe last Saturday where they enjoyed activities such as pond dipping, arts and crafts, and a Big Butterfly Count. The open day was the first of regular free events run by Conservation Volunteers throughout the summer holidays at the reserve, which are supported by the council’s Neighbourhoods Fund.
Cllr Ali added: “It was such a joy to see all the children, including my own, getting lost in the magic of nature, engaging with the wildlife and getting stuck in with the arts and crafts. This Summer of Play we’re determined that all our young people have the opportunity for fun, creativity, learning and enrichment.”
Cllr Ali and Cllr Akoto, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, headed to Burgess Park with their families to join one of the many sports camps happening throughout the summer. Charity Burgess Sports run a multi-sports programme where children aged 5 to 12 years old take part in a rotation of Football, Tennis, Tag Rugby, Hockey, Boxing, Cricket and BMX.
For a complete guide to all the best activities, events, shows, festivals and much more across the borough this summer for children and young people, visit www.southwark.gov.uk/southwarkpresents
Parents and carers who think their children and young people might benefit from free holiday clubs should visit www.southwark.gov.uk/foodandfun for guidance on how to apply.
Page last updated: 28 July 2021
