More than £1.9 million has been invested to support vulnerable children and young people in West Lothian during the 2022 summer holidays.
And it promises to be a packed few weeks where kids can take part in sport or tackle a new hobby. There’s everything from martial arts introduction to games, crazy golf, gymnastics and swimming available at venues across the county.
An exciting programme of free summer activities has been unveiled in a package to which the council itself has added more than £200,000.
READ MORE: West Lothian SNP accused of 'throwing toys out the pram' over representation
The council’s Education Executive has approved plans for the Get into Summer activity programme for local young people, which will target support to those who need it most.
Get into Summer offers a wide range of free activities for children, young people and families including: day trips, sports, arts and crafts, music, drama, team games, digital media, STEM, cookery and outdoor learning.
Executive councillor for education Andrew McGuire said: “I’m delighted that we are able to do more to support a wide range of children and young people in West Lothian this summer.
“Our exciting new holiday programme is targeted at those who will benefit the most, such as low-income families, those in areas with high levels of deprivation, lone parents and ethnic minority families, and families with parents or children with a disability.
“I would encourage all eligible families to look at the programme and take advantage of some of the many excellent activities on offer.”
The programme has been developed by the council’s Community Learning and Development Youth Services team, in partnership with other council teams such as Social Policy and Active Schools as well as third sector partners and community groups.
This will build on the previous Holiday Lunch and Activities and Summer of Play programmes in place across West Lothian.
Over £1.9 million is being invested to support vulnerable children and young people in West Lothian during the 2022 summer holidays.
West Lothian received a £353,756 of one-off payment from the Scottish Government for this year’s programme, which will be added to £235,000 budget put aside by the council.
West Lothian Council has already agreed to pay £15 per pupil, per week direct to eligible low-income families during the 2022 summer holidays, at an estimated cost of over £1.3 million.
For details of the programme, visit www.westlothian.gov.uk/get-into-summer
READ NEXT: Third West Lothian council building shut for safety over failed concrete roof
Cash-strapped West Lothian towns allowed to keep money despite having no takers
West Lothian warning over illegal fly-tipping as clean-up costs hit £200,000
Crammed West Lothian stairwells a serious fire risk for residents
West Lothian taxi fares set to increase for first time in six years
