Big activity week ahead for children in care

Hampshire’s looked-after children are set for an activity-filled treat this week (from 5 August) as they enjoy adventure breaks at four of the County Council’s outdoor centres.

The children, aged between nine and 14, all live with foster families or in children’s homes across The children, aged between nine and 14, all live with foster families or in children’s homes across Hampshire. The five-day residential activity breaks – at Calshot, Minstead, Stubbington and Tile Barn – are an opportunity to have some summer holiday fun while connecting with other children in care of a similar age, gaining self-confidence and boosting their resilience and social skills at the same time.

Councillor Patricia Stallard, Executive Lead Member for Children and Young People at Hampshire County Council, said: “This activity week will be the highlight of the year for many of the children taking part. This is a new initiative for us, and the evidence shows that children in care can really benefit from outdoor adventure programmes like these. We hope that involving them in the Big Activity Week will trigger a lifelong love of the outdoors, and for some help them overcome the social and educational barriers we know vulnerable young people can face, setting them on the path to success at school and beyond.

“Our Outdoor Centres have a well-deserved reputation for high-quality residential and activity experiences and I am confident that this week will be a huge success.”

In addition to the outdoor activities, the children will have the opportunity to take part in evening sessions designed to help with the challenges and issues they may face in their everyday lives, such as staying safe online.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that children in care are four times more likely than their peers to have a mental health difficulty. Whilst not a cure, outdoor adventure programmes can impact positively on young people’s self- confidence and attitudes.

The children will be accompanied by social workers and qualified pastoral care teachers.

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