More than 1,300 children and young people from across Bristol are to benefit from free school holiday activities and hot meals, thanks to financial support from three Bristol businesses to tackle the city’s holiday hunger crisis.
Funding worth £33,000 from Lancer Scott, Arthur David and Elmtree Learning Partnership for Bristol-based Community of Purpose will be used to provide vital support for disadvantaged households across south Bristol.
The funding supports Community of Purpose’s Break Free programme, which offers young people free hot meals outside of term time, and the chance to take part in sporting activities and visit cultural places, thereby relieving the financial and time pressures which many of their parents and carers face.
But as the school holidays approach, the call for further support to families in need is urgent. Around 17,000 school pupils in Bristol receive free school meals, representing one of the highest levels in England1.
Amy Kington, CEO of Community of Purpose says: “We have seen just how much of an impact we are already making, with 70 fantastic businesses on board. From Lancer Scott to Arthur David and Elmtree – we welcome businesses big, small, young and well-established.
“Our approach is now well established, and we are witnessing an astonishing impact. Through keeping our children active, well fed and strengthening social skills and self-esteem, we are building a generation that is set up for future success – whatever the difficulties they may have faced in the past.”
Community of Purpose are now seeking more business partners to scale their operations up to support even more young people and their families. Currently, there are 70 businesses on board, and they want to reach 100.
“If 30 businesses each offer £5,000, an additional 6,000 children can come along to Break Free,” added Amy.
“That’s two hot meals per day, plus structured and supportive activities which all contribute to happier, healthier young people with a stronger sense of self and value. This is invaluable to the individuals themselves and their families.
“The school holidays make up 25% of the year at 13 weeks cumulatively, so the impact that these programmes have is massive. We look forward to making even more of a difference with businesses across the city.”
Community of Purpose is an award-winning, not-for-profit social enterprise that transforms the lives and futures of young people in Bristol and beyond.
Latest funding from businesses for its work includes:
- Lancer Scott, built environment construction, development, and facilities management company, donated £25,000 this year to Community of Purpose – which funds the equivalent of 1,000 spots for children to attend a day of Break Free.
- Arthur David, West Country food delivery service, donated £6,000 this year, paying for 240 places.
- Elmtree Learning Partnership who offer Alternative Learning Provision, donated £2,000, paying for 80 places.
Morian Cooke, Managing Director at Lancer Scott said: “We know that our support with Community of Purpose is making a real difference to the lives of young people across Bristol. Based on their data, over 80% of attendees are making new friends and building confidence – this is crucial to set these young people up for a bright, positive future.
“We want to thank Amy and the team for continuing to make this happen, in a way which communicates to us where and how our support is helping.”
For more information and to discuss supporting Community of Purpose and its projects, get in touch with the team at hello@communityofpurpose.com