This holiday provision is for school children from reception to year 11 (inclusive) who receive benefits-related free school meals. Benefits-related free school meals (FSM) are available to pupils if their parents are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits, and have a claim verified by their school or local authority. 

Volunteers from 2020 Vision and West End Girl (WEGs) looked after the young people. There were also staff members who were qualified to deal with SEND members. 

The young people enjoyed three amazing days in external locations for a day out and finished off with a New Year’s Eve Party. Activities included:
•  Bowling (at Vue Blackburn)
•  Pantomime (at Empire Theatre)
•  Cinema
•  New Year’s Eve Party 

Bowling
Due to the number of young people attending the provision One Voice hired out all the bowling alleys at Tenpin Bowling at Vue Blackburn. The young people were put into groups and engaged in two rounds of bowling. There was also a balloon artist at the venue which made the experience even more enjoyable. Young people were provided with a full meal which included chicken nuggets, chips, fruit juice and water. 

Pantomime 
Young people had a magical experience with a live performance of Beauty and the Beast at Empire Theatre in Blackburn. Going to watch a pantomime is a must during the festive period and One Voice wanted to provide that experience for members of the One Voice Blackburn Winter Holiday Club. 

Cinema
This year One Voice organised another personal screening for the 1V Winter HAF members at Reel Cinema. We took a group of over 300 young people to watch the newest edition of a Roald Dhal classic ‘Wonka’. This was a movie that had just recently been released and many of the attendees of the holiday club had not yet had the chance to watch it. 

New Year’s Eve Party
We finished this year’s winter holiday club off with a spectacular New Year’s Eve Party held at Blackburn Youth Zone. Young people came in their glitziest outfits and were able to celebrate the new year’s festivities in all its glory. There was so much on offer for everyone to enjoy including fun sports activities, team games, board games and a photobooth. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the photobooth as they had festive props and backgrounds to play around with.  They were able to take physical copies of their photographs home. 

Food was also served as a sit down meal including samosa’s, chicken nuggets, wedges, drinks and cupcakes. The young people also took home ‘chocolate santa’s and other snacks to enjoy. 

Parents expressed their appreciation of the One Voice Holiday Club
“A big thank you to the One Voice team It has been amazing, Aaliyah had an amazing time at bowling. She absolutely loved the theatre and the visit to cinemas was the icing on the cake. Thank you so much for organising these fantastic trips. Was very thoughtful.”

“Once again One Voice have been absolutely amazing. The kids have really enjoyed the fun packed days out, which have included bowling, cinema and a pantomime.   They are also looking forward to the New years Eve party. The kids have enjoyed the food provided. It’s really special that at these times of years they have exciting events to look forward to, where they also make new friends that they will remember for life. The staff and volunteers are always so supportive and friendly.  Thanks everyone for another great half term club.”

“Thank you for putting an exciting Christmas activities. Muhammad-Zayd enjoyed it so much. He enjoyed the bowling, pantomime and most of all the movie. He was talking about it at home. Thank you to you and your staff for looking after him.”

“What an amazing end to the holiday club! The children had so much fun at the party and were so excited to show me the pictures they had taken at the photobooth. What a great experience for everyone.”  

“Thank you so much, the kids absolutely loved the holiday club at Christmas. They really enjoyed the movie on Friday. They were gutted they missed the party as we were away over the weekend. Thank you for all your efforts with them. They will surely be there for the next one!”