One of our amazing parents Traci Gaven has organised a Swimathon to raise funds for Fetlor to support our exciting summer programme we have planned.
The Swimathon is for young people who attend FetLor and their parents – we will be swimming as many lengths as we can in 2 hours to see how far we can cover.
Young people can swim without their parents.
As this is a Fundraiser, young people taking part will have a Sponsor Sheet which they can collect from FetLor and the parents, we would appreciate you sharing the just giving page created by Traci.
Now in it’s third year P.A.L.S! Summer scheme has helped support over 100 young people make the transition from primary to secondary school
A collaboration between three youth arts organisations based at the Drill Hall
P.A.L.S! returns to the Out of the Blue Drill Hall from Monday 24th to Friday 28th July
Monday 24th to Friday 28th July sees the third P.A.L.S (Play and Learn Stuff!) Summer Scheme return to the Out of the Blue Drill Hall!
Started initially as a response to the pandemic, the scheme was designed to help young people get back outdoors, off their screens and enjoying new experiences within a safe and supportive environment.
Specifically targetting children aged 11 – 13 in the Leith area, the free scheme provides a circuit breaker from technology, a chance to re-engage with others and participate in the arts.
Since its inception, the P.A.L.S Summer Scheme has helped over 100 children learn new skills and gain confidence prior to starting secondary school.
First established in 2021, it’s a collaboration between three youth arts organisations, all based in the Out of the Blue Drill Hall in Leith: Out of the Blueprint, Strange Town Youth Theatre and All or Nothing.
As in previous years, the three partner organisations will deliver a free activity based on their specialist art form.
The scheme has evolved since its inception and following feedback from parents and children. After taking part in the scheme many parents recognised increased confidence and resilience in their child in preparation for moving to high school.
Feedback from children (2021 & 2022)
“I learnt how to use the printer. I learnt how to be a better actor. I learnt how to be more creative and not hesitate to try new things! Thank you!” “Was I nervous about coming along? Obviously! The three new things I learnt this week was how to get on a hoop, how to make new friends and how to get up high by spinning in a cocoon!” “The best bit was doing things I haven’t done before”
Feedback from parents (2021 & 2022)
“We were so impressed by the whole experience (name) had. Thank you!” “My husband and I were delighted (name) attended all week because she loved the activities and managed to chat to people she didn’t know. The experience helped increase (her) confidence and independence.” “Please do something similar! It really built her confidence that she tried something new.”
Project Manager, Johnny Gailey, says: “We initially started the scheme as a way to support young folk who had missed out on transition activities that helped them make the step up to big school due to Covid.
“We’re very proud that it’s now part of our annual summer offer of activities for children in the area. Whilst the pandemic is over, this generation continues to feel the long tail of Covid and it’s effects and we believe activities that support the development of their social skills and confidence will stand them in good stead as they progress to high school.”
The P.A.L.S! Summer Scheme takes place at the Drill Hall from Monday 24th to Friday 28th July. Further details can be found on the Out of the Blue website.
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre, is announcing summer workshops in its Edinburgh store to celebrate the start of summer.
The Little Seedlings Club workshop will teach children how to look after the garden with the warmer temperatures, and Dobbies’ Holiday Club workshop is about the different herbs and microgreens that can help your pizza taste great.
Suitable for children aged 4-10, these free and interactive sessions in Edinburgh are guaranteed to keep them busy during the school holidays and encourage them to discover more about nature.
Taking place on Sunday 2 July, the Little Seedlings Club workshop is set to be fun-filled and educational with a focus on how to effectively conserve water when looking after the garden this summer.
Children will learn about the fascinating water cycle in plants and why plants need our help to stay green and lush, particularly during the hotter months.
Dobbies’ horticultural experts will teach the children in Edinburgh when to water the plants and how to preserve water usage through sustainable mulching and planting drought-resistant species like Cordyline, Lavender and Hebe. Mulching not only saves water but also suppresses weeds, provides nutrients to the plants and enhances the overall appearance of the garden.
Dobbies’ Holiday Club takes place from the start of July where children will learn about the different herbs and microgreens that can be used as pizza toppings.
The Holiday Club session will show the difference herbs can make to a pizza, adding bold or subtle flavours as well as having nutritional value. The children in attendance will also learn how to grow herbs and microgreens at home with ease.
Dobbies’ Community and CSR Communications Executive, Chloë Bell said: “We are excited to be hosting two fantastic sessions for kids in our Edinburgh store this summer.
“Not only are these sessions a great way to keep children entertained and busy during the holidays, but it’s a great chance for them to meet friends and try something new. If you haven’t already checked out our free sessions, please do come along this July and get involved.”
Advance booking is required to secure a free spot at July’s Little Seedlings Club workshop and Pizza Planting Holiday Club. The Holiday Club will run throughout the school holidays and customers are encouraged to visit the Dobbies’ website for booking as each store’s availability differs.
For more information on how children can participate, visit: Events | Dobbies Garden
Thousands of children from low-income families will benefit from free childcare, activities and healthy food as part of a £10 million summer programme.
Available to children and young people aged five to 14 years old who need it most, the funding has been allocated to local authorities to supplement existing holiday programmes or to develop new ones.
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “School holidays can be expensive for families, especially when household bills are soaring. This funding means children and young people who really need it will be able to access coordinated childcare, activities and nutritious food over the summer.
“They will have opportunities to play, socialise and access a range of activities that broaden their experiences and supplement their learning.
“Support will be targeted at the six priority family types at greatest risk of poverty, including lone parent families and families with a disabled adult or child. We have a national mission to tackle child poverty and, along with £21.75 million in funding for alternative holiday food provision for families eligible for free school meals, this offer will provide much-needed support over the summer.”
COSLA Children and Young People’s Spokesperson Councillor Tony Buchanan said: “The rising cost of living is exacerbating the already stark and unacceptable reality of poverty in the lives of children, young people, families and communities.
“We are pleased that this additional funding will enable local authorities to build on their regular summer programmes to enhance opportunities and support for priority groups of children and young people.
“Councils and their local delivery partners will provide varied programmes, incorporating activities, childcare, and food provision, in line with local needs and guided by what children, young people, and families themselves say will make a difference.”
Amy and Sara are running the Edinburgh Half Marathon next month and Ryan is doing the full 26.2 miles.
They are running this for FetLor.
Everything they raise will go towards our Summer Programme. Last year we put on a 5 week programme that included 24 trips to lots of different activities including Fox Lake, Bridge 8 and North Berwick.
All our trips are free and can only happen thanks to the support of people like Ryan, Sara and Amy. If you can, please sponsor them.
