Published: Wednesday, 11th October 2023
An initiative between the borough council and Alive West Norfolk has been extended to the autumn half term with some autumn half term with some activities priced at £1 or 50p with a concession.
The third Summer of Play gave young people access to a range of activities at Alive West Norfolk venues. Simon Ring, Cabinet member for Tourism, Events and Marketing, said: “Over 13,500 attendances were subsidised by this borough council funded scheme over the school summer holidays. West Norfolk families were able take part in a range of low-cost Alive West Norfolk organised activities at venues across the borough.
“More than 19,000 places were taken by children across all clubs, activities and programmes in total. I’m pleased that many of our residents found the summer programme useful and can now book places for Autumn of Play activities.”
Alive Adventures soft play at the Hunstanton Oasis and general swim sessions at Alive West Norfolk pools in Downham Market, Hunstanton and King’s Lynn will be £1 with an Alive card, or 50p with an Alive Concession Card this October half term.
Tommy Goode, Head of Performance and Development at Alive West Norfolk, said: “Once again our summer programme was a huge hit. Alive West Norfolk aims to provide opportunities to all and, with the support of our partners, we put together a package of activities that makes sure young people across the borough can have fun, socialise and be active.
“In addition to the support from the borough council we were also able to offer free holiday clubs with meals, for those eligible for free school meals, thanks to the DfE Holiday Activity Fund (HAF). More than 1000 places were booked on this scheme during the summer. Due to the HAF funding reducing this year, the borough council extended their funding to cover the short fall. This meant nearly 800 places could be provided free with a meal on our holiday clubs for those who qualify for a concession. A further 1700 were able to attend a discounted holiday club with lunch included for those who do not qualify for concession, to support working families.”
Cllr Jo Rust, Cabinet member for People and Communities, added: “These activities are good for people’s physical and mental wellbeing. This support from the borough council and Alive West Norfolk helps people who really need it in west Norfolk.
“I’m pleased to see the low-cost soft play and swimming activities take place this October half term, along with a range of other activities to keep young people and families active. The borough council is also once again funding the free holiday club places for those who qualify for the Alive Card Concession, this includes a free meal.”
For everyone else the holiday clubs are subsidised to £15 and include the free meal.
Cllr Rust added: “The Alive Lynnsport team have also introduced breakfast clubs during the October half term for 5 to 12 year olds, to help parents who need an earlier drop off. It includes cereal, fruit juice and fun games with the coaching team.”
Details of the October half term programme, concession card scheme and booking information are available at alivewestnorfolk.co.uk/holiday-activities
Alive Card and Alive Concession Card are only available to residents who live in west Norfolk. Normally, the charge for an Alive West Norfolk concession card is £10. The concession card reduces the cost of activities at Alive West Norfolk venues. This fee is being removed so that any resident eligible for a concession card can obtain it for free, enabling them to access the cheapest possible rates.
Eligibility for concession cards is State Pension Age (66 years of age and over), NHS Tax Credit Exemption, Income Support Claimant, Job Seekers Allowance, Housing Benefit Claimant, Incapacity Benefit Claimant/Employment Support Allowance, Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payment/Attendance Allowance, Full time student over 18 years of age, Children living with and dependent of anyone in the above categories (excluding State Pension Age) and Pupil Premium.