Youth summer programme success

A RECORD number of children participated in a summer play project in Dumfries and Galloway this year – with thousands reporting that it had a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. The region’s Summer of Play programme, targeting children and young people from low income and vulnerable households, ran every day of the summer holidays and included sports, outdoor fun days, cinema trips, free leisure passes and music sessions. A total of 10,209 youngsters aged 5-16 took part in at least one of the activities on offer, compared to 9417 the previous year.

Meanwhile, 2626 children and young people attended the Amazing Summer Roadshows – an increase on the 2433 crowd in 2024. At the council’s recent tackling poverty, inequalities and housing sub committee, Third Sector Partners and three volunteer pupils from Douglas Ewart High School involved in the Summer of Play scheme delivered a presentation on its success in 2025. They stated: “Eighty-six percent of all children and young people reported that they felt better about themselves after taking part in an activity. “Eighty-eight percent of children and young people said that they wouldn’t have been able to take part in the activity if they were not free of charge. “And 71 percent of parents and carers reported a significant improvement in their child’s mental health after taking part in activities.” The evaluation of the Summer of Play programme also confirmed that 80 percent of children and young people reported an increase in their physical health by taking part in sports-based activities. The council funded this summer programme of activities to the tune of £264,000, but this also included £29,000 of support from the Scottish Government. The activities were aimed at supporting low income families and young people during the cost of living crisis. It was explained that £65,000 was spent on roadshows, while £110,000 was allocated to council services or projects where children and young people could access additional activities. North West Dumfries Councillor Andy Ferguson heaped praise on the pupils who had volunteered their time to help make the Summer of Play event a success. He said: “It’s quite humbling when you’ve been sitting here for quite a while, and every year you’re seeing different people coming and delivering presentations – which means it’s not the same people year on year. “We’re continually upskilling not only our own staff and people who run community centres for example, but also the young people themselves.”