SUMMER in the City, Aberdeen City Council’s programme of free play and learning activities for children and young people during the school holidays was today (Tuesday 12 September) hailed by councillors for its ongoing positive impact on participants.
The event, now in its third year following the easing of lockdown restrictions in 2021 and has proven so successful that it has been joined by Easter and Autumn in the City becoming permanent fixtures in the city’s events calendar.
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This summer’s programme cost a total of over £125,000 including a £107,000 Scottish Government grant and delivered with partner organisations 6,304 bookable opportunities for play including 567 multiday or weeklong activities.
The targeted programme aimed at benefiting priority groups proved successful with 35% of participants coming from lone parent families, 24% from families with a disabled adult or child and 47% from ethnic minority families.
The involvement of children and young people in the design of the programme was reflected in their 9.6/10 enjoyment rating.
The programme was supported and publicised with a dedicated What’s On webpage and social media.
The report on the programme’s success was provided to today’s Education and Children’s Committee. The committee’s Convener, Councillor Martin Greig, said: “I am delighted to hear that our Summer in The City programme goes from strength to strength and continues to deliver positive impacts on the health and wellbeing of the young participants.
“The high level of participation among our priority groups is particularly pleasing and we will continue to deliver free, high quality play opportunities that will benefit the groups and, indeed all the young people taking part.”
Vice convener, Councillor Jessica Mennie said: “The report makes for tremendous reading and my congratulations go out to everyone involved – children, families, carers, officers and partners in making this year’s Summer in the City such a great success.
“This is a prime example of what we can achieve as a local authority, if we work together in partnership with partners across the public and third sector to deliver for our children and young people.”
“The benefits of this programme to the health and well-being of our children and young people is tremendous. Not only does it spread joy for so many, but it also utilises our beautiful outdoor and indoor spaces in Aberdeen.
“This programme has given and will continue to give thousands of children across this city positive opportunities during the holidays, and we should all be proud of that.”
The Council’s Chief Education Officer will report to Committee on the impact of the autumn programme later this year.
