Young people are being encouraged to make a splash with free swimming sessions at County Durham’s leisure centres as part of fun activities happening this Easter.
Durham County Council has put together a host of pool-based activities for children and young people aged 18 and under who live in the county.
From fun with inflatables, to general swimming, the free sessions are all part of a bid to encourage children and young people to have fun and be more active.
Starting from Monday 11 April until Friday 22 April, the free sessions will be available for children and young people throughout the Easter holidays.
School holidays can be a difficult time for many families who struggle keep their children fed and entertained.
To provide extra support, some of the raft and inflatable sessions will include healthy food as part of the council’s Fun and Food campaign, funded through a £2.3 million grant from the Department for Education.
Families can look forward to other events and activities taking place across the county this Easter as part of Fun and Food – from crafts sessions and performing arts to team sports. Activities will include healthy food as part of the programme.
The council is also accepting Fun and Food applications for the summer holidays, with community groups, businesses and charities encouraged to sign up to host free holiday activities with healthy snacks and meals for children and young people. To apply, contact [email protected]
Cllr Ted Henderson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We are delighted to once again host free swimming sessions and other Fun and Food activities for children and young people this Easter.
“Staying active is incredibly important, so these sessions are a great way for children to stay healthy in a fun and engaging way.
“We know some families struggle during the school holidays to keep their young ones fed and entertained.
“The Fun and Food programme is designed to support families throughout the holidays, so there will be a host of different activities to look forward to.”
For the swimming sessions at the council’s leisure centres, adults who qualify for a concessional rate can also swim for free if their child is unable to swim and needs some support in the pool.
For more information about the sessions, visit www.durham.gov.uk/freeswimming.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for a free Thrive card in advance of the sessions, which will allow children access to swimming throughout the holidays.
Sign up is only needed once, and children who already have a Thrive card do not need to apply for a new one. Parents can get a Thrive card by visiting www.durham.gov.uk/thrivecard.
For more information about what Fun and Food activities will be taking place in each area throughout the Easter holidays, visit www.durham.gov.uk/funandfood.
