Get into Summer East Lothian!

The activities on offer will help families recover, connect and, most importantly, have fun.

East Lothian Council has received £277,000 from the Scottish Government as part of its national initiative alongside an additional £34,000 from SportScotland. Get into Summer will provide children and young people who have been most adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic the opportunity to be active, connect with others and enjoy the best that East Lothian has to offer.

Organisations were invited to bid for a share of the fund to develop activities that would provide fun opportunities with a particular focus on addressing barriers to involvement such as food or transport costs. Some activities will be available to all families across the county while others will only be available to priority families – those in receipt of Free School Meals, children with disabilities or Additional Special Needs, care experienced children and young people or young carers. Funding has also been used to reserve spaces for priority families in paid-for activities. 

Cabinet member for Education and Children’s Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said: “Get into Summer is a really exciting opportunity to have fun and enjoy East Lothian. While the pandemic has undoubtedly had an impact on everyone in our area it has been particularly challenging for some of our children and young people. The activities on offer will help families recover, connect and, most importantly, have fun.”

A special website has been created bringing together all of the projects with booking information and links to online systems where possible. Information has also been shared through schools. Examples include:

• Free swims for ages up to 18 in EnjoyLeisure pools Monday to Friday 9am-3pm (booking required)
• Free football camps from Active Schools Football development
• Computing camps for children aged 8+ in Wallyford and Whitecraig from ComputerXplorers SEScotland
• Free pop-up play sessions through East Lothian Play Association
• Rugby camps from all six teams in East Lothian
• Tennis sessions with Gullane Tennis Club
• Crafts and indoor and outdoor activities in various areas across the county
• Music from Heavy Sound CIC and theatre trail from Catherine Wheels Theatre Company
• Pop-up events and activities from the council’s Arts, Libraries and Connected Communities services.

Cabinet member for Community Wellbeing Councillor Jim Goodfellow added: “The number and variety of projects means that there is something to appeal to all ages and interests. I am grateful to all our partners who have developed these opportunities and who are committed to helping children and young people get into summer.”

Activities are available to view and book online: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/get-into-summer