Child and young people who are eligible for benefit related free school meals in South Tyneside can attend free activity sessions at the holiday club throughout the 2022 Winter Holidays. The activities and food provision will take place at various venues from Saturday 24th December 2022 until Sunday 8th January 2023.
All events are subject to availability and booking is essential. The sessions will include…
- a variety of fun activities
- exciting opportunities to learn and develop skills
- a nutritious meal each day
Who can attend…
To be eligible for free Winter Holiday Activities and Food, children and young people must…
- live in South Tyneside
- be 5 to 16 years old
- be eligible for benefit related free school meals, or be in a family currently experiencing hardship
These events are operating on a trust based booking system which will hopefully allow families who will really benefit from free school meals and activities to access them.
The Winter Holiday Activities are funded by the GOV.UK: Department for Education’s holiday activities and food programme 2022. As part of this funding, the criteria states that children must be in receipt of benefit related free school meals.
Children who aren’t eligible can still attend some of the same activities, as well as other free and paid-for activities, see What’s on.
Food vouchers are also provided to eligible children prior to the Christmas school holidays. For information on this scheme, see free meals during the school holidays.
Book a place…
Most places on the Winter Holiday, Activities and Food Programme can be booked via Eventbrite, however some need to be booked via telephone, email or online. See below for more information.
View the list of activities available below and to book go to Eventbrite!
- Active Futures South Shields – A range of traditional and non-traditional sports and activities including netball, rugby, basketball, futsal, dodgeball, quidditch and nerf wars.
- Active Kids – A range of activities including dance, basketball, tennis, fitness, bingo, art and crafts, board games, and more.
- Cineworld – Families will have the opportunity to see a selection of Christmas and new release films.
- Groundwork – Staff will host 3 days of fun filled activities, including fitness, science, arts/crafts, boxercise, and mini film making.
- Jumbo Jim’s Soft Play – The indoor play centre will provide fun activities on their climbing frame, trampoline, football area and slides.
- KEY 2 Life – Will be offering physical activities along with a healthy eating session, and visits from Ranger Jane and Raggy Beard at The Sundial
- NECA Community Garden – Will harness children’s eagerness to grow and taste a variety of produce in the planting zones. They will also explore and care for creatures in their natural habitat.
- Ocean Beach Winter Wonderland – Children can take part in the excitement of Ocean Beach’s own Ice-Skating Rink, along with a healthy lunch afterwards. Look out for other options which include Quasar and the Arcades.
- Perth Green Community Association – Are offering a 4-day activity sports week including football, multi-skills and basketball.
- Sarah Howe School of Dance – Come along and try a mix of Freestyle, Slow, Street, and Commercial Pop dancing increasing your stamina and body conditioning. Support with choreographing routines will also be available.
- Sport Development Football Camp – Football based camp to develop skills and an opportunity to take part in games, competitions and themed quizzes.
- Sport Development – Get your children and teens active. This is a programme to enthuse children how to keep fit safely, including sessions on Metafit, Zumba, Circuits, Boxercise and Street Dance.
- SPORTWORKS – Offers energetic, stimulating, enriching outdoor sports & activities including benchball, basketball, handball, frisbee, circuits and games.
- START 2 FINISH – Children will take part in a range of sports, games, and activities, developing teamwork and improve individual skills.
- The Customs House – Fun and Festive creative activities for families centered around the film The Last Snowflake and Robin Hood themed activities before a seat in the Xmas Pantomime performance
Other activities to book with other individual providers include…
Fun activities and trips with Bedes Helping Hands Food Bank – Youth Activity Days to include sports, arts, crafts, social action projects, cooking and music sessions. For children aged 8 and over.
- Address: St John the Baptist Church Hall, Jarrow, NE32 4HX
- Dates: Tuesday 3 January to Friday 6 January 2023
- How to book: email holidayactivities8@gmail.com or call Sam Harrison on 07396 579 045
Cook it up at Five Quarters Café – Youth Activity Days to include sports, arts, crafts, social action projects, cooking and music sessions. For children aged 8 and over.
- Address: Five Quarters Café, Boldon Lane, NE34 0LZ
- Dates: Tuesday 3 January to Friday 6 January 2023
- How to book: email holidayactivities8@gmail.com or call Sam Harrison on 07396 579 045
Fun activities at Bilton Hall – A variety of classes and trips for the young people that access Bilton. Including ice skating, nature days and cooking. For children aged 5 to 16 years.
- Address: Bilton Hall, Taunton Avenue, Jarrow, NE32 3RT
- Dates: Tuesday 3 January to Friday 8 January 2023
- How to book: email biltonhallcommunitytrust@outlook.com
Fun activities with BLISS=Ability – Young people will engage in activities together, including nature trails, sports and games, music and arts/crafts. This activity is suitable for children with SEND. For children aged 5 to 16.
- Address: Chuter Ede, South Shields, NE34 9UG
- Dates: Tuesday 3 January to Sunday 8 January 2023
- How to book: email angela.dunn@blissability.co.uk or call 0191 427 1666
Fun activities with Clegwell and Hartleyburn Community Hub – Trips to the cinema, bowling, ice skating, with a movie night and other activities back at base. For children aged 8 to 16 years.
- Address: Clegwell and Hartleyburn Community Hub, Mountbatten Ave, Hebburn, NE31 2QP
- Dates: Wednesday 4 January to Sunday 8 January 2023
- How to book: email customer.service@clegwellandhartleyburnch.org.uk or call 0191 4897 575 Option 1 after 5pm.
Fun activities with CREST (Compact for Race Equality South Tyneside) – CREST work with the BAME community within South Tyneside and will offer a programme of engaging activities and trips, including arts/crafts, magic shows, animal antics and a trip to The Centre of Life. For children aged 5 to 16.
- Address: Hedworth Hall, NE33 4EA
- Dates: Tuesday 3 January to Friday 6 January 2023
- How to book: call 0191 427 6611
Bowling and soft play activities with Dunes Adventure Island – Winter Adventure Package including Soft Play, bowling, and food. An adventurous programme of soft play at 9am followed by bowling 10am to midday for young people and their families. Food available at the session. Bowling is available for children aged 5 to 16. Over 12’s can only enter soft play if supervising a younger child. An adult must accompany groups.
- Address: Dunes Adventure Island, Sea Rd, South Shields, NE33 2LD
- Dates: Monday 26 December 2022 to Tuesday 6 January 2023
- How to book: call The Dunes on 0191 455 5255 and state FREE Holiday Activities
Fun activities at Hedworthfield Community Association – Fitness and sports classes will be offered with refreshments, alongside various trips. For children aged 5 to 14.
- Address: Hedworthfield Community Association, Cornhill, Jarrow, NE32 4QD
- Dates: Friday 30 December 2022 and Tuesday 6 January 2023 (only)
- How to book: email hedworthfieldca@outlook.com
Fitness with JJ Sports Coaching at Fellgate Primary School – Providing activities for children including football, basketball, gymnastics, dance, dodgeball, games and nutrition. For young people aged 6 to 11.
- Address: Fellgate Primary School, Oxford Way, Jarrow, NE32 4XA
- Dates: Wednesday 28 December to Friday 30 December 2022 (week 1) and Tuesday 3 January to Friday 6 January 2023 (week 2)
- Times: 10am to 2pm every day
- How to book: email jjsportscoaching1@gmail.com
Fun activities with Ocean Road Community Association – Young people will take part in sports, games, roller disco at the centre and then visit the Custom House for their Christmas pantomime. For young people aged 5 to 16.
- Address: Ocean Road Community Association, Ocean Road, South Shields, NE33 2DW
- Dates: Thursday 29 December 2022 and Thursday 5 January (only)
- Times: 1pm to 5pm every day
- How to book: call 0191 4230 787
Craft based activities with Key 2 Life – Children will take part in craft-based activities including making bird feeders, calendars and decorations. For young people aged 5 to 16.
- Address: Key2Life, Boldon Lane, South Shields, NE34 0LZ
- Dates: Wednesday 28 December 2022, Thursday 29 December 2022, Wednesday 4 January 2023, and Friday 6 January 2023
- Times: 11am to 3pm every day
- How to book: email key2lifest@gmail.com or call 07833 613 393
Fun activities at South Shields FC Foundation – Sports and crafts will be on offer, along with a nutritional Q&A session with players. The science professor will be creating exciting experiments, along with making New Year party crafts and decorations. For children aged 5 and above.
- Address: South Shields FC Foundation, Harton and Westoe Miners Welfare, Low Lane and 1st Cloud Arena, Mariners Park, Shaftesbury Avenue
- Dates: Wednesday 28 December to Friday 30 December 2022 (week 1) and Wednesday 4 January to Friday 6 January 2023 (week 2)
- Times: 10am to 3pm every day
- How to book: email vicky.freeman@southshieldsfc.co.uk
Sporting activities with Sport King Football Coaching at Epinay School – Football based camp to develop skills an to take part in games, competitions and play quizzes. For children aged 5 to 12.
- Address: Epinay School, Nevinson Avenue, South Shields, NE34 8BT
- Dates: Wednesday 4 January to Friday 6 January 2023
- Times: 10am to 3pm
- How to book: email JK7sportsking@aol.co.uk or text ‘NYC Epinay’ to 07795 024 333
Football with Ultimate Fun Coaching at Marsden Road Community Centre – Football based camp to develop skills an to take part in games, competitions and play quizzes. For children aged 5 to 14. Please note: Sessions are outdoor so please prepare for cold weather.
- Address: Marsden Road Community Centre, Marsden Road, South Shields, NE34 6RE
- Dates: Wednesday 4 January to Friday 6 January 2023
- Times: 10am to 3pm
- How to book: email ultimatefuncoaching@gmail.com
Some activities are suitable for families and spaces may need to be booked for parents / guardians as well as children. There are a range of activities suitable for all ages between 5-16 years. Please read the event descriptions on Eventbrite or ask the provider when contacting them to book for further information. Please also contact the provider if you have children with any SEND or access needs.It is essential that you book a place for your child / children on the Winter, Holiday and Activities Programme. Please do not turn up to an event without booking.
Other things to do…
Family walking and activity trails – Stretch your legs, get some fresh air and enjoy some family time. Each walk has activities to do and sights to see along the way. Suitable for the whole family. Visit South Tyneside: Walking trails
10 minute Shake Up games – Public Health England has teamed up with Disney to help get kids active throughout the holidays. NHS: 10 Minute Shake Up games
Local TV North East videos – Local TV North East brings you energetic, fun bitesize content aimed for a healthier body and mind. From toddlers to teenagers, enjoy activities from arts and crafts, cookery and fitness, to music, mindfulness and languages and everything in-between.
The programmes include:
- The Get Up and Go Show – suitable for 4-8 year olds
- The Lunchtime Club – suitable for 9-12 year olds
- The Holiday Hub – suitable for 12 – 16 year olds
What’s on around South Tyneside – For more events and activities to enjoy around South Tyneside, see the events calendar.
More inspiration – For further inspiration on how to spend your time in South Tyneside, and to discover the area’s attractions, outdoor spaces, and places to eat and drink, go to the Visit South Tyneside website.
More information
If you have questions about the Winter holiday activity and food programme, email HAF@southtyneside.gov.uk
Activities and food are funded by the Department for Education. For more about the national programme, visit GOV.UK: Holiday activities and food programme 2022.
