Families and young people across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Staffordshire have enjoyed a fun-filled summer thanks to Housing Plus Group’s 2025 Summer Holidays Fund.
This year, 22 local organisations received grants of up to £1,000 each, supporting a wide range of activities designed to bring communities together and provide children with memorable holiday experiences.
Activities supported through the scheme ranged from picnics and fun days, to sports clubs, craft sessions and dance workshops.
One of the organisations to benefit was Madeley Town Council, which received funding towards community picnics, complete with free bouncy castles and an ice cream van.
Charlotte Dade, the town council’s Community and Events Officer, said: “Over the summer we wanted to put on some community events for local families in our main residential areas.
“This funding from Housing Plus Group has really helped – it’s meant more children have been able to enjoy the free ice creams and we’ve been able to get two bouncy castles.
“Thanks to the funding, we’ve been able to create events that bring people together and strengthen our community.”
Meanwhile, Stafford Sport and Performance Academy received £750 to run a series of children’s dance workshops.
Dance teacher Dominique Stephenson said: “Thanks to the funding, we were able to offer these dance sessions for free and it’s been so nice to be able to give the children the opportunity to dance and have some fun during the summer holidays instead of sitting at home.
“Most of the children didn’t know each other, so they’ve made new friends and it’s been great to see them talking and getting along. They’ve learned lots of different styles from jazz to musical theatre over the three weeks and so many parents have said that their children want to start dance lessons now.”
Other organisations awarded funding included Osnosh in Oswestry, Telford Autism Hub, Donnington Partnership and The Hub Newport.
Sam Hine, Social Value and Inclusion Manager at Housing Plus Group, said: “We are proud to have supported so many local organisations who work tirelessly to make a difference in their communities.
“The Summer Holidays Fund is about more than activities – it’s about inclusion, wellbeing and helping families to enjoy the holidays without financial worry.
“Seeing the smiles on children’s faces and hearing the positive feedback from parents confirms the real value of this initiative.”