Provider Case Studies
Primary Provider Spotlight: East End Youth and Community Centre
East End Youth and Community Centre (EEYCC), based in North Shields, continues to deliver high-quality provision in an area of significant need. Their summer programme achieved exceptional attendance levels, ranging from 91% to 100%, demonstrating strong engagement and consistent demand.
EEYCC offered a wide range of enriching experiences, including visits to a variety of external venues, ensuring children were able to access opportunities beyond their immediate community. A particularly innovative element of their delivery was the organisation of four street closures, enabling children to play safely within their local neighbourhood. These sessions created a vibrant community atmosphere and included additional treats such as visits from an ice cream van, which were especially well received during the summer period.
Feedback from children consistently highlights the impact of the provision. Observations across the programme demonstrate:
- The development of new friendships
- Strong examples of teamwork and cooperation
- High levels of engagement and enjoyment
Specific examples of impact include:
- Two children learning to ride a bike for the first time, supported by a young volunteer during the street closure sessions
- Pool tournaments which, while lively and energetic, encouraged teamwork and introduced new activities to participants
Secondary Provider Spotlight: Phoenix Detached Youth Project
Engaging older children and young people within the HAF Programme presents distinct challenges, requiring a more flexible and responsive approach compared to primary provision. The Phoenix Detached Youth Project has demonstrated a strong model of delivery, successfully engaging 69 young people during the summer programme.
A key factor in their success was the emphasis on pre-engagement and preparation. Work undertaken in advance of the programme ensured that young people felt comfortable, informed, and welcomed, which supported strong attendance and participation levels. The project benefits from well-established community relationships, enabling effective outreach and communication with both young people and their families.
Flexibility in delivery was central to the programme’s effectiveness. Activities were shaped around the interests and preferences of the young people, creating a more relevant and engaging offer. Clear and consistent communication with parents and carers further supported participation and trust in the provision.
Food Provision Approach
Phoenix Detached adopted a practical and inclusive approach to food provision, offering high-quality, portable packed lunches suited to the needs of older participants.
Their approach also promoted independence and informed choice:
- Young people were involved in shopping and selecting their own lunch options, encouraging ownership and decision-making
- Leftover food was managed responsibly, with items reused for snacks or shared fairly to minimise waste
- Daily conversations around healthy eating, including food choices, hydration, and healthier alternatives, were embedded into activities