AEF ESSEX ACTIVATE HOLIDAY PROVISION REVIEW- WINTER 2025

Activities Offered:

• Boxing

• Gym fitness sessions

• Dodgeball

• Laser tag

• Inflatable games

What was the average daily length of engagement per young person in sports and physical activity?

30 to 60 minutes

Type of Mentoring Offered:

• Group Sessions:
  Mentoring was integrated into regular activities and delivered through topical group discussions. This winter, we used ASDAN qualification modules to guide these discussions, specifically the first three modules:

• Understanding Self

• Creating Positive Environments

• Goal Setting

• Employability Mentoring:
  Delivered through volunteering sessions with our primary Essex Activate clubs.

One-to-One Support:
Although the main approach was group-based, we also provided individual one-to-one discussions tailored to each young person’s needs.

What types of learning and development did you offer?

-            Qualifications

-            Preparation for higher learning and entering into thew work place

-            Practical skills in IT

Was your holiday programme supported by any adult volunteers? (18+)

Yes – 4 Volunteers that was previously on the provision as a participant.

Was your holiday programme supported by any young volunteers (under 18)?

YES – 6 Volunteers that supported our Essex Activate Sports camps and New years family party event.

Total number of young people volunteering hours:

82 hours

Main Successes of the Winter Holiday Programme

Intended Outcomes Achieved:

• Engagement of Target Audience:
  Successfully reached young people from priority groups, including those on Free School Meals (FSM), vulnerable young people, and individuals on the cusp of or involved in anti-social behaviour (ASB) and youth criminality.

• Learning and Development:
  Delivered the first three ASDAN modules (Understanding Self, Creating Positive Environments, Goal Setting), supporting personal growth and positive behaviour change.

• Employability Skills:
  Provided volunteering opportunities through Essex Activate clubs, helping young people build confidence and workplace skills.

Unintended Successes:

• High Attendance and Retention:
  Many young people continued attending sessions beyond initial expectations, showing strong commitment to learning and development.

• Positive Peer Influence:
  Group mentoring created a supportive environment where young people encouraged each other, reducing isolation and promoting teamwork.

• Improved Community Engagement:
  Increased participation from families and local networks, strengthening community ties.

Biggest Challenges of Winter HAF Delivery

Challenges Faced:

• Overall, there were no major challenges during delivery.

• However, some young people and parents experienced difficulty booking due to low IT skills, which created barriers to accessing the programme.

How We Overcame These Challenges:

• We set up a WhatsApp group for parents who expressed interest, allowing easy communication and updates.

• We also offered phone support and manually input bookings into the system to ensure no one was excluded due to technical difficulties.

Changes Noticed in Young People Since Participating

Social and Personal Development:

• Increased confidence, self-esteem, and communication skills.

• Improved social interaction, with young people forming positive peer relationships.

Behaviour and Engagement:

• Noticeable positive behaviour changes.

• Higher participation levels, improved attendance, and greater willingness to take part in activities.

• Demonstrated commitment to learning and trying new experiences they would not have attempted before.

Skills and Volunteering:

• Learned new skills through ASDAN modules and practical activities.

• Shown a willingness to volunteer and support additional clubs, such as the Essex Activate primary clubs, contributing to community engagement.

Health and Wellbeing:

• Increased exercise efforts, with young people actively engaging in physical activities and showing enthusiasm for fitness.

Which cohort of young people does your holiday programme support?

Secondary and Tertiary

How many unique young people have been supported by your holiday programme this winter?

15

How many were eligible for benefits-based Free School Meals (FSM)

15

Of these unique young people, how many were new to your holiday programme?

7

How many unique young people attending your holiday programme also attend your term-time community or school projects

10

Please record the total number of attendances in your HAF holiday provision this summer:

60

Please record the number of MALE unique young people who attended:

7

Please record the number of FEMALE unique young people who attended:

8

Please record the number of 10-11 YEAR OLDS who attended:

4

Please record the number of 12-14 YEAR OLDS who attended:

6

Please record the number of 15-16 YEAR OLDS who attended:

4

Please record the number of 17+ YEAR OLDS who attended:

1

Other Presenting Issues

Community Safety Concerns:

• We have a higher number of female participants, which has influenced how we structure sessions. To ensure safety and comfort, we adapted the programme into two relative groups, offering physical activities alongside mentoring and learning games tailored to their needs.

Risk of Criminal Exploitation:

• Many young people in the area are at high risk of criminal involvement, largely due to:

• Location and high deprivation levels, which create a breeding ground for criminal exploitation.

• Limited positive opportunities and exposure to negative influences within the community.

Young People in Care:

• A significant number of participants are young people in care, who are particularly vulnerable because of:

• Their past experiences and mental disposition.

• Increased susceptibility to exploitation and risky behaviours.

Our Response:

• We have embedded mentoring and structured learning activities to build resilience, confidence, and decision-making skills.

• Sessions focus on community safety awareness, positive role modelling, and creating safe spaces for engagement

Quotes and Feedback from the Winter Holiday Programme

Young People:

• “I’ve never tried boxing before – now I want to keep doing it!”

• “I feel more confident talking to new people.”

• “I liked helping at the Essex Activate clubs – it made me feel proud.”

Parents and Families:

• “The programme has been a lifesaver during the holidays – my child has loved every session.”

• “Thank you for making booking easy and keeping us updated through WhatsApp.”

Agencies and Partners:

• “Great to see young people engaging in positive activities and volunteering – this really supports community safety.”

General Feedback:

• High praise for the variety of activities (boxing, fitness, dodgeball, laser tag, inflatable games).

• Positive comments on mentoring sessions and ASDAN modules, helping young people set goals and build confidence.

• Families appreciated the inclusive approach and extra support for those with booking difficulties.

What Made This Holiday Period a Success?

• Strong engagement from target groups (FSM, vulnerable young people, those at risk of ASB).

• Increased confidence, social skills, and willingness to learn among participants.

• Successful volunteering opportunities with Essex Activate clubs.

• Adapted sessions to address community safety concerns and support young people in care.

Additional Supporting Information, Learning and Achievements

• Programme Reach:
  Successfully engaged a diverse group of young people, including those on FSM, in care, and at risk of ASB or criminal exploitation.

• Learning Achievements:

• Delivered ASDAN modules (Understanding Self, Creating Positive Environments, Goal Setting), helping young people develop self-awareness, resilience, and goal-setting skills.

• Increased volunteering participation, with young people supporting Essex Activate primary clubs, building leadership and employability skills.

• Adaptability and Inclusion:

• Overcame digital barriers by introducing WhatsApp communication and manual booking support, ensuring no young person was excluded.

• Adapted sessions into two relative groups to address community safety concerns and provide tailored mentoring alongside physical activities.

• Community Impact:

• Strengthened partnerships with local agencies and families, creating a safer and more supportive environment for young people.

• Promoted positive behaviour change and reduced isolation through group mentoring and social activities.

• Health and Wellbeing:

• Increased engagement in physical activities, improving fitness and overall wellbeing.

• Encouraged young people to try new experiences and maintain healthy routines.