Bedfordshire PCC supports holiday activity and food programmes this summer
He has funded free water bottles for every single young person attending
Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Festus Akinbusoye is working in partnership with local authorities in Bedfordshire to support their Holiday Activities and Food programmes this summer.
The programme allows young people to book on and take part in outdoor and sports focused activities. It's funded by the Department for Education and is a holiday provision for school children from reception to year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals.
Akinbusoye, has funded free water bottles for every single young person attending one of the activities at each of the three local authorities in Bedford, Luton and Central Bedfordshire.
The bottles have a QR code and information card from the Bedfordshire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), which links to the PCC’s website where more information can be found about commissioned support services
These include domestic abuse support, youth offender management, early intervention services and support for victims and witnesses in all other crime types.
Mr Akinbusoye said:
“I am delighted to be able to support and work in partnership with the three local authorities with their summer HAF programmes this summer. After putting on a successful programme last year for young people I knew it was something I wanted to support again.
“We know the benefits these type of activities can bring to the physical and mental health of young people. Giving them opportunities to attend these sessions encourages healthy choices and improves self-esteem.
“This directly links with my priorities of investing in early intervention programmes to safeguard our young people and partnership working in the community.
“I am really looking forward to attending some of the sessions in each of the three local areas”.
Sessions are inclusive so are suitable for children with special education needs and disabilities.
You can find out more about the programme here.