All children need a break from school. Summer holidays can be an opportunity for them to spend more time with their families, play with friends and explore outdoor spaces. However, many of the families we support are socially isolated, far away from home, unable to rely on family members for childcare support during the six week break and are struggling financially. Caring for children with additional support needs and finding affordable activities is especially hard.

This year, having gained sufficient public support during the Leith Chooses community funding event, we were able to offer over 100 ethnic minority children in the Leith area, some of whom were children with additional support needs, the chance to take part in trips to Yellowcraigs beach, to Vogrie Country Park and to Muiravonside Country Park. During the trips, children and parents were given the chance to interact with other families, make new friends, explore new areas and to have an experience they will be able to share and talk about when they return to school.

Sarah Mason, who had recently completed a social work degree placement at MCFB and was tasked with organizing the trips, remarked that the children especially enjoyed and benefited from the sensory experience of interacting with nature by taking part in pond dipping, paddling in the sea and discovering many different plants and insects. One boy from Syria, had his first ever experience of paddling and was fascinated by the sensation of the waves lapping up against his skin and the shifting sand under his feet.

Anne Spiers, Depute Chief Executive of MCFB said:

“We are particularly pleased that we have had the opportunity to expand our summer activities to benefit so many families this year. It’s been hard work overcoming some of the barriers to inclusion that many families can experience, such as accessing supported transport for children with additional support needs. A big thanks to all of our hard-working team of staff, students and volunteers.”