Due East is a resident-led organisation operating in the estates of Whitehawk, Manor Farm and Bristol in Brighton & Hove. They work to promote their local area, tackle exclusion and maximise resources available to the community.
A grant from the Foundation went towards Due East's summer play scheme, helping the group provide sessions for local children. They offered a range of activities, including arts and crafts, sports, and even circus activities, as well as local trips. Providing healthy food during the summer holiday was vital for many families, as was the opportunity to get out of often crowded homes, and entertain the children for free in a friendly environment.
The activities provided so much joy to so many families whilst also bringing together people who felt they were facing some very tough times alone. It created friendship groups, and for many, it provided confidence and motivation to become actively involved and contribute to the wider community.
A member of staff shared this message from a parent whose children attended the play scheme:
“We were dreading the summer holiday and knew we would be skint by the end, so knowing they [the children] could eat at the play scheme was such a relief. Things became so much better at home. My son has additional needs and won't talk to anyone, but here he has friends and can't wait to come and see them - he's just happier. I've never seen him like this. The levels of stress at home are nowhere near what they were before! I can't thank Due East Brighton enough."
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