FUEL programme update

Wiltshire Council is working with providers and asking community groups to come forward to help provide activities for eligible children this summer after a provider has announced it has ceased to trade.

A few days ago the council was informed Learn By Design was ceasing to trade and so would not be putting on activities for the Wiltshire Council FUEL Programme this summer. The unexpected development means the council has had to rapidly review what is possible for the summer holidays in extremely short timescales. Council staff have pulled out all the stops to build a plan to encourage providers and organise activities in Wiltshire.

The council is already having conversations with potential providers but is equally asking any registered activity providers, schools and other appropriate community organisations throughout the county to come forward and advise if they can put on activities during the summer holidays.

FUEL (Food Unity, Energy, Laughter) is a Wiltshire programme funded by the Department for Education to help young people who are eligible for benefits related free school meals have free access to activities and nutritious meals during the school holidays. The FUEL programme in Wiltshire has provided hundreds of children with activities and nutritious meals during school holidays.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Public Health said: "We have had to rapidly review what is possible for the summer holidays as we received this news only a few days ago and know how important this programme is to eligible families. Responding swiftly, we brought together different sections of the council, and have a plan, which we hope will ensure a range of activities at venues this summer."

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children's Services said: "We are already approaching providers and we are now extending that to registered activity providers, schools and community providers. We would like interested parties to read the FUEL community funding information pack and application form and respond by Friday 16 June. If we are successful with recruiting providers we hope to have a range of provision available for the summer. It may be different to previous years but we're working hard and going out proactively and will keep everyone updated."

The council will update the FUEL web page with latest news at FUEL Programme.