Local youth charity No Limits has launched a fundraising campaign so its support groups can take vulnerable children on day trips and give them experiences other young people take for granted during the summer break.
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Said the charity, which offers support to children and young people under the age of 26 who live in Southampton and Hampshire:
“While the summer holidays are great for many children and young people, for others, the six weeks looks entirely different. With no structure in their day, no money for activities, a family member to look after or household chores overwhelming them, the holidays can bring isolation, loss of confidence and anxiety.
“This often results in them struggling to catch up with friends and handle school again when September comes. Day trips and outings will give children living in challenging circumstances an escape from everyday life, something to look forward to and somewhere to relax.”
No Limits’ runs weekly support groups for young people during term-time including young carers, Safe House (for those with lived experience of mental health), COSMO (for young people whose life is impacted by someone’s substance use) and Time4U (for young people with learning difficulties). The fundraising campaign is aimed at providing at least one trip for each group, with a target of £500.
Lesley Bestwick, fundraising and communications manager, said: “With so many activities ending when the holidays start, young people facing extra challenges can be cut off from the world.
“This fundraising campaign will hopefully enable us to give these young people something to look forward to – perhaps a trip to Marwell, Go Ape or the cinema – a chance to spend some time with others who are having a similar summer holiday experience and have some fun.”
For more information on the fundraising campaign go to https://nolimitshelp.org.uk/summer-loneliness