🌞 Summer Support for Children and Families in Newcastle

The school holidays are here – and we know it can be a busy time for families.

Whether you’re looking for fun activities, help with meals, or ways to keep your child healthy and happy, there’s lots of support available in Gosforth, Jesmond and across Newcastle.

Here’s a quick guide to help you make the most of the summer break.

🎨 Free Activities and Meals for Children

Newcastle’s Best Ever Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme is offering free clubs and meals over the summer for children who get free school meals.

There’s something for everyone, including:

• Football, dancing and games
• Art, crafts and music
• Cooking and outdoor adventures

Each session includes a healthy meal, so it’s a great way to stay active and well over the holidays.

👉 Find out what’s on and how to book:
HAF Best Ever – Newcastle Support Directory

🧩 Activities for Children with SEND

There are also special activities for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).

These are safe, fun sessions run by trained staff, and include:

• Sensory play
• Nature walks
• Art and crafts
• Sports in small groups

Some groups can offer 1-to-1 support if needed – but places must be booked in advance.

👉 See the full list of SEND activities here:
SEND Local Offer – Children and Families Newcastle

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🧠 Looking After Children’s Mental Health

Time off school can be fun, but it can also bring changes to your child’s routine and mood. It’s normal for children to feel bored, worried, or a bit unsettled at times.

You can help by:

• Keeping a simple daily routine with regular meals and bedtimes
• Spending time outside when possible
• Encouraging creative play like drawing, building or dancing

There are also free tools that can help, such as:

• Kooth – a free, safe website for young people aged 11+
• This May Help – educational videos and advice on a range of issues that can affect children and young people.

If you’re worried about your child’s mental health, you can speak to your GP, school nurse or a local support service.

💻 Staying Safe Online

Children often spend more time online during the holidays. It’s a good idea to check in with them and set some simple rules.

You can help by:

• Setting time limits on phones, games and tablets
• Using child-friendly settings on apps like YouTube and TikTok
• Talking openly about online safety and being kind online

👉 For simple advice, visit:
ThinkUKnow – Online Safety for Parents

🌈 Healthy Habits Over the Holidays

It’s easy to slip into long days indoors and quick snacks – but there are small things you can do to help your child stay healthy this summer.

✅ Keep Moving

• Play outside, go to the park, or do a mini obstacle course in the garden
• Walk or cycle as a family when you can
• Try a free HAF sports session

✅ Eat Well

• Offer fresh fruit, snacks like rice cakes or yoghurt, and regular meals
• Get children involved in helping to cook
• Make use of free meals at HAF clubs if eligible

✅ Stay Safe in the Sun

• Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30
• Wear a hat and sunglasses when outdoors
• Drink plenty of water during the day

💉 Book Health Checks Before September

The summer is a good time to catch up on any health checks before the new school year.

You can:

• Check your child’s vaccination record and catch up on any jabs they’ve missed. Find the full immunisation schedule, including recent changes for babies in our Resources.
• Book a dental check-up. Find Dentists accepting new NHS patients here.
• Make sure asthma or allergy plans are up to date

🌟 We’re Here to Help

Summer should be a time to have fun, recharge, and enjoy a break from school. If you need support with your child’s health, development, or wellbeing at any point, we’re here for you.

Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy summer from all of us!

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