A WOKINGHAM charity is giving borough youngsters the go-ahead for afterschool activities, clubs and trips.
These can all be expensive, unaffordable even, for many families struggling to make ends meet, and as a result, children from lower income households can miss out on positive learning experiences enjoyed by their peers.
Wokingham United Charities (WUC) wants every child to be able to access activities and opportunities available to them.
Its Bright Futures Fund has been created to enable young people to take part in fun and enriching extracurricular activities.
Amy Garstang, manager at Wokingham United Charities, said: “Young people shouldn’t have to miss out on school trips, clubs or other activities because of a financial situation they or their families often have no control over.
“Our fund aims to bridge the gap, providing access to enriching activities that are integral to children’s growth and development.”
A grant of £25,000 from Wokingham Borough Council, and partnership with the Hardship Alliance enables WUC to help children access a wide range of extracurricular activities, including: school trips, club membership, sports equipment, instrument rental, and participation fees.
Children in the borough are already benefitting.
Bright Futures awards have so far paid for summer craft and sewing courses for local disadvantaged children, enabled a student to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and provided mental health workshops for afterschool clubs.
And two students studying Spanish, have been able to go on a one week study trip to Barcelona to attend a Spanish language school.
With the new academic year approaching, and school trips in the planning stages, Wokingham United Charities is keen to support borough children for whom these may seem like an unaffordable dream.
Professionals and group leaders are asked to contact the charity to apply for grants for children in their care.
Referrals can be made online, through the organisation’s website, and must come from a teacher, youth leader, sports trainer or a relevant local charity.
Families can’t apply directly, but can ask their school or club to apply for a grant for their child on their behalf.
WUC advises people to contact them now.
For information, and to apply, visit: www.wokinghamunitedcharities.org.uk
