Summer fun for families in the woods

Middleton Woods in south Leeds was ringing with children’s voices and laughter when they joined a Health for All Family Fun day this week.

Sixty local parents and children built their own magical Fairy Kingdom among the trees, making fairy doors, creating tree decorations from shells, painting stones and gathering leaves from the surrounding woodland.

Starting the day with a healthy breakfast, an outdoor picnic and games rounded off the event which was part of a summer-long programme of free Family Days organised by the south Leeds charity. A variety of venues will host activities including singing, arts and crafts, bush craft and nature trails in Middleton Woods followed by a trip to Ponderosa.

Local park rangers have agreed that the beautiful magical Fairy Kingdom among the trees can stay in Middleton Woods for a time, for other local children and families to explore and enjoy.

Six year old Mia (pictured in the slideshow) said:

“This was the best day of my life! I think fairies will visit our special place now we’ve made a home for them.”

Local mum Terri said:

“I was thrilled to spend quality time together with my daughter Ella in the fresh air, using our imaginations and bringing a little bit of magic to the summer holidays. We have been attending Health for All family events for many years now. The staff always think of something new and exciting – they’re so supportive and the free breakfast is the icing on the cake. We can’t afford expensive playschemes so these events are a life saver.”

Vikrant Bhatia, Health for All’s Young People and Families Manager said:

“We are delighted that so many children and parents from local community groups have attended our free Summer holiday programme, we always aim to make our holiday activities special and memorable for children.

“A big thank you to Leeds Community Foundation for Healthy Holidays funding which is making such a difference to our families”.

The event was part of a full Summer Healthy Holidays programme designed to support families, young people and children through the school break. Leeds Community Foundation’s Healthy Holidays grant is designed to ensure children are not adversely affected  by ‘holiday hunger’ (children missing free school meals).The programme receives funding from Leeds City Council, the Asda Foundation and the Department of Education.

Local charity Health for All is providing healthy meals, breakfasts, picnics for a wide range of parents, including grandparents, kinship carers and dads, in the charity’s local groups and centres.  Food is provided by Fare Share and Food Revival. More than 70 parents, children and young people have benefitted from Health for All’s holiday activities so far.

For more information regarding Health for All’s groups and activities telephone: (0113) 270 6903; or email info@healthforall.org.uk