The Bath Rugby Foundation has been asked to scale up its holiday hunger programme, ‘BreakOut’, to help combat child food poverty locally. A massive twelve thousand sessions will run across the summer holidays, from Monday, 26th July to Friday, 27th August for children who currently receive free school meals in Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Peasedown St John and Paulton. There will also be sessions further afield in Keynsham, Larkhall, Odd Down and Twerton.

One in every five children live in poverty in B&NES, with areas such as Twerton and Whiteway ranking in amongst the top 1% most deprived areas in the country.

The Bath Rugby Foundation is working with Bath Area Play Project, Youth Connect South West and many other partners to deliver activities and nutritious food for children, families and young people most in need.

Sessions are split for children, aged 5–11, which includes four hours of fun, supervised activities with a hot and healthy meal included; Teens aged 12 – 16, who will be able to enjoy music, art and sports activities, as well as health and wellbeing workshops designed specifically for teenagers; BreakOut Adventures for Teens (day trips); BreakOut for Families – outdoor sessions including fun and food for families to enjoy time together, and BreakOut for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs. These include fun activities and days out, specifically designed for young people with SEND.

Speaking on behalf of the partnership, Lynne Fernquest, Bath Rugby Foundation, CEO said: “The devastating impact of the pandemic on the mental and physical health of families on low incomes, disengaged teenagers and young adults is only now starting to become clear.

“Our uncomfortable truth is that we live in one of the most unequal cities in the UK. We are not immune to the child hunger crisis that our country is facing right now and ultimately, we must address the root cause of this through policy reform. That is imperative.

“However, there is a glimmer of hope. I have seen the incredible difference a community can make when it comes together to solve its problems. Right now we are doing just that, and change is happening.”

To book a session, visit: https://www.bathrugby foundation.com/breakout

For questions, email: breakout@bathrugby

foundation.com or call: 07443 767555.