“Summer 2025 at SELFA: Fun, Friendship & Memories

Posted: 22nd September 2025

To say we’ve had a busy summer is an understatement! Since the summer school term finished, we’ve run 72 sessions – more than 413 hours of activities – which have been attended by 292 children and young people.

Thanks to our generous funders, SELFA has been able to offer a range of fantastic activities, from swimming and pony trekking to beach trips, creative cooking and outdoor climbing.

FEAST (Food. Entertainment. Arts. Sport. Together), a programme run by North Yorkshire Together that provides school holiday activities, is one of our key financial supporters. With their help, we’ve been able to give hundreds of children and young people new experiences.

And it’s not just about having fun. The programme gives vulnerable young people the opportunity to build their confidence, improve their social skills and develop friendships. With one in three children in the UK lacking confidence – leading them to avoid taking part in clubs and not speaking up when they want to – it’s more important than ever to help young people believe in themselves.

One parent told us: “This summer has been really difficult for us as a family, it’s been amazing for L* to get out and enjoy activities with SELFA. Before coming, they struggled with friendships, but she now has a group of friends which is great to see.”

We’ve also used the summer holidays to help children and young people develop healthy habits. Young people in our SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) sessions have made fruit kebabs, watermelon pizzas and fruit salads together, and they’ve enjoyed using the bouncy castle to keep active. Children have also been supported to develop practical skills, such as cooking and preparing healthy snacks, which has encouraged independence and confidence. 

And, it’s important not to overlook the importance of giving children the opportunity to try new experiences. Our primary age children have loved trips to the beach for the very first time, as well as travelling on trains – thanks to tickets kindly provided by Northern Rail. Meanwhile, our SEND and youth groups have enjoyed outdoor activities at Studfold Adventure Trail in the Yorkshire Dales and Nell Bank in Ilkley. They’ve even done alpaca trekking, body zorbing and archery!

As always, we are beyond grateful for the funders that allow us to give children and young people these opportunities. Many thanks to FEAST and North Yorkshire Together, Cash for Kids, Feeding Britain, the Toy Trust, the National Lottery and the Hargreaves Foundation for their generosity. Investing in our young people is more essential than ever – and we couldn’t do it without your support.