Community programme engages hundreds of Birmingham youngsters

Birmingham youngsters had an action-packed summer in 2024, thanks to the continuation of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

Community interest companies 5Up and 9Up received nearly £100,000 in funding to support the delivery of various activities aimed at combating holiday hunger, inactivity, and social isolation among young people.

Led by community 5UP and 9UP, and supported by Birmingham City Council and delivery partner StreetGames, the programme successfully engaged hundreds of disadvantaged young people across the city.

The 2024 summer edition of the HAF programme saw young participants take part in a wide array of activities ranging from martial arts and boxing to football and team-building games.

These activities were designed not only to keep young people active during the holidays but also to provide them with essential life skills.

One of the highlights of the summer was the partnership with Teamworks Birmingham, where many young people from 5UP martial arts venues had the chance to engage in experiences such as karting and laser tag.

Simone Schehtman from Teamworks Birmingham said: “Many young people from the 5UP martial arts venues had the time of their lives at Teamworks over the Summer.

“Learning new skills, gaining confidence and feeling valued is the best way to ensure we respect our young, disadvantaged people and instil in them a sense of wellbeing and trust to achieve anything they want in life. Can't wait to have them back.”

Simon Foster, the Police Crime Commissioner, visited the programme and expressed his admiration, adding: “I joined 5Up CIC to have a look at the great work they are doing to deliver Thai Boxing for all levels from complete beginners to multiple world champions - and the Holidays and Food Programme for the most disadvantaged."

In a further effort to inspire and engage the young people, the programme received visits from the Army Engagement Team from Venning Barracks, Telford.

The team visited venues and interacted with the young participants, offering an insight into the values of discipline, teamwork, and leadership that the Army embodies.

The visit provided an opportunity for the young people to learn more about careers and within the Armed Forces.

Throughout the summer, 5UP and 9UP’s efforts were centred around ensuring that no young person was left behind.

Thanks to funding of nearly £100,000, the organisation provided free meals, physical activities, and enrichment sessions for over 400 young people daily across nine fully equipped venues in the Birmingham area.

Pictured: Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster visited the community programme