Insight CIC provides a varied programme for older young people
Overview
The Insight Community Project delivers a Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) club for young people aged 10-16. This initiative aims to provide enriching, cost-free experiences during school holidays, addressing the lack of affordable activities for this age group. The programme was tailored to engage young people in ways that resonate with their interests while promoting health and positive lifestyle choices.
Nutritious Meals:
A healthy, home-cooked lunches are served which offer balanced, nutritious options, such as pasta bolognese, chicken curry, jacket potatoes with a choice of fillings, and wraps, all accompanied by fresh fruit and salad. These meals not only fuel the participants but also reinforce healthy eating habits.
Physical Activities:
A wide range of physical activities kept young people active and engaged. These include Football, basketball, team games, inflatable fun, swimming, tennis, badminton, and rounders.
By providing these options, Insight CIC encourages teamwork, skill-building and a love of sports in a fun, non-competitive environment.
Creative and Social Activities:
Arts and crafts, DJing, baking, and smoothie making allow participants to express creativity and develop new skills.
Health promotion activities, including healthy eating workshops and vape awareness projects, help participants make informed lifestyle choices.
Community Impact and Safe Environment
The project offers a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where young people feel valued and respected as part of the ‘Insight family’. Over the years, many participants have returned, with some older ones now volunteering to support younger attendees, fostering a strong sense of community and responsibility. This peer-led support enhances the experience, with participants from different backgrounds and schools coming together to form lasting friendships.
Skill Development and Special Projects The provider prioritises teaching new skills and knowledge throughout the programme. This included several exciting initiatives:
Vape Awareness Art Project:
Working with Derbyshire County Council, Insight CIC facilitated a special project where participants designed and created a sculpture to highlight the risks of vaping. They collaborated with a local artist, a poet, and a music producer, gaining hands-on experience with music equipment and new art techniques. This project not only expanded their artistic skills but also deepened their understanding of the health risks associated with vaping.
Beekeeping Sessions:
The newly introduced community beekeeping sessions, “The Hive,” taught participants about the importance of bees in the environment. Using an observation hive, it was demonstrated how bees work together and make honey, providing a unique learning experience that fostered environmental awareness and an understanding of biodiversity.
Financial Literacy Workshop:
In partnership with a local financial inclusion group, the team delivered a money management workshop that educated participants on financial literacy. This session emphasised the importance of managing money wisely and raised awareness about the dangers of loaning money. Teaching these life skills at a young age equips participants with the knowledge to make sound financial decisions in the future.
Long-Term Outcomes
Insight CIC is proud to see the long-term benefits of the programme. Many participants return year after year, some transitioning from attendees to volunteers, embodying the values of leadership, mentorship, and community support. As friendships continue to develop across different backgrounds, schools and ages, the project contributes to social cohesion in the local area.
Moreover, the focus on teaching practical skills, whether through health promotion, financial literacy, or environmental awareness, ensures that participants leave with more than just memories—they gain knowledge and experiences that will serve them well in the future.
Conclusion
The Insight Community Project’s HAF club is a valuable initiative that meets the needs of young people aged 10-16, providing them with structured, engaging and educational activities during the school holidays. By promoting health, wellbeing and life skills in a safe, inclusive environment, Insight CIC ensure that participants not only have fun but also grow as individuals, contributing to their personal development and strengthening the broader community.