Musical theatre, coding, snow sports and football are just some of the exciting free activity sessions on offer with MedwayGo over Easter.
MedwayGo is a free, government funded, holiday activities and food programme for children aged five to 16 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Along with lots of fun sessions, children attending will receive a nutritious meal, made to school food standards, ensuring that children have a healthy balanced meal as they would during the school day.
Children can take part in MedwayGo activities from Monday, 3 April to Thursday, 6 April. The fun-packed sessions encourage children to be more active and make new friends while learning new skills. The programme offers activities at local schools and academies, leisure centres and venues across Medway.
If your child is not eligible for benefits-related free school meals, many of the sessions are available to book for a small fee.
Free Arriva bus tickets are also available for families if they are unable to travel to a MedwayGo session. Terms and conditions apply.
Wide range of activities on offer
Cllr David Brake, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder covering Public Health, said: “I am delighted that we are offering our fantastic MedwayGo programme of activities for children over Easter. There are a wide range of activities on offer including swimming, tennis and crafts. As well as signing up for these great activities, I would also encourage parents and carers to look at the healthy recipe ideas and fun activity suggestions on the MedwayGo website.”
Excellent opportunities for children and young people
Cllr Josie Iles, Medway Council’s Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “We understand the effect the cost of living crisis is having on residents, particularly families on lower incomes, and I am pleased that we are continuing to provide these fun activity sessions and meals for children on benefits-related free school meals. MedwayGo provides excellent opportunities for children and young people to make new friends, become more active and have fun. I would encourage eligible families to find out more and access the activities available.”
MedwayGo is funded by the government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF).
All residents facing financial difficulties, due to the rise of the cost of living can also apply for help with their household bills through the Household Support Fund. The support on offer includes supermarket and fuel vouchers.
What’s on over Easter for all children to enjoy
Medway Libraries are hosting free spring-themed arts and crafts sessions in libraries across Medway including Easter baskets, bouncing bunnies and sun catcher crafts. Find out more and book your child’s space.
Head to Medway’s fantastic heritage sites to take part in five different family-friendly trails during the Easter holidays. Complete each trail to receive a badge and special stamp which is themed around the attractions. Visit Rochester Castle to take part in the Golden Eggs Trail, head to Upnor Castle for the Find the Chicks and Lambs Trail, hop over to The Guildhall Museum for the Bunny Trail, Eastgate House will host a Fairy Door Trail and visit Temple Manor to take part in the Farm Animal Footprints Trail. Find out more
Inflatable pool sessions are being held at Hoo and Strood sports centres during half term, costs £7.70 per person, per session. Find out more or follow Medway Sport on social media.
Medway Sport is offering top-up swimming lessons during the Easter holidays to help increase children’s swimming abilities and water confidence. Available every morning at Medway Park, Strood and Hoo Sports Centre. A number of places are available for children in receipt of benefits-related free school meals.
Mini Youth Sports Camps will also return to Strood Sports Centre and Medway Park, Gillingham, for the Easter break.
The council’s Child-Friendly Medway team is also holding two Easter themed events. At Rabbit Run at The Pentagon Shopping Centre on Wednesday, 5 April, from 11am until 3pm, children will be able to make Easter egg baskets, bunny ears, have their faces painted and even have a photo with the Easter bunny. Children can also visit selected shops for Easter treats.
Medway’s youngest residents can take part in a number of free activities, including an Easter egg hunt and storytelling sessions at Sun Pier House on Saturday, 8 April from 11am until 3pm. Families can also take part in arts and crafts activities and party games. For more details and to reserve your child’s space, email childfriendly@medway.gov.uk.
The range of activities on offer supports Medway Council's aspiration to make Medway even more child-friendly.
Find out more about the exciting events and activities on offer across Medway during Easter