The Healthy Lives Holiday Programme is about supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of young people from the Shropshire SEND community, especially those from the Learning Disability and /or Autism communities. It is about making community-based activities accessible to this group, bringing together activity providers into one co-ordinated programme that offers meaningful opportunities to learn new skills, build confidence, make friends and get active. Importantly it provides these opportunities during the school and college holidays, a time families tell us can be difficult, when young people miss their friends and routines, and Parent Carers sometimes struggle to balance the demands placed on them.
Over Summer 2025 a total of 203 children and young people (126 children and young people with SEND and 77 siblings) attended the programme. This year’s summer programme 41 community activity providers delivered 68 activity sessions, with 591 activity spaces allocated providing 1420 hours of activity.
Activities this year included kayaking, canoeing, football, dance, film production, soft play, cycling, music sessions, donkey walks, cinema, rowing and more! We would like to thank all of this years activity providers and volunteers for making this year’s summer programme possible.
Below is a few of the things that families said about this years Summer Healthy Lives programme;
“Great opportunity to ride in safe environment in the fresh air and have some fun. Bike suited my son, and he really enjoyed the event” (Cycling at Shrewsbury Sports Village)
“Great relaxing afternoon catching up with friends in lovely surroundings.” (PACCFest)
“Sal engages with the young people at whatever level they’re able to access the activity. It was wonderful watching her sing gently to PMLD young people and then patiently take endless song requests from my daughter! She knows what they all love to see/do at her sessions, and she had prepared some great resources” (Sensory Stories and Songs)
“Melissa’s really enjoyed herself today went to the cinema to watch Sonic The Hedgehog with her friends and carers and also enjoyed getting soaking wet in the rain. She walked all the way there and back which for her is a really long way. Thankyou for organising it and thankyou Taylor Support Melissa said they were really nice xx” (Day About Town with Taylor Support)
“Brilliant, enthusiastic and helpful staff, patient and didn’t rush anyone, a wonderful new experience fully embraced by me and Emelia. A huge thank you to all.” (Rowing On the River with Pengwern Rowing Club)
You can find out more about PACC’s Healthy Lives Holiday Programme here