'We're hoping its the first of many': Vulnerable children given special breaks thanks to Leeds charity
Special trips will be given to vulnerable children in Yorkshire
Two charities have joined forces to give vulnerable children from Leeds and West Yorkshire special breaks.
Go Beyond and Leeds Children’s Charity have worked together for months to identify children who would most benefit from a week away.
A total of 16 children, who had experienced personal hardship and had been unable to go on a residential school trip, were given the chance to visit Lineham Farm in Eccup.
During the week, children aged between seven and 11, learned to ride bikes, interacted with animals, developed friendships, challenged themselves through new activities and spent time away from screens.
Go Beyond has centres in Derbyshire and Cornwall and has arranged breaks for children in the south east of England, but this was the first in Yorkshire.
“We were delighted with our first week at Lineham Farm,” CEO Michele Farmer said.
“We have found kindred spirits who share our commitment to giving children time in nature, the chance to make new friends and the confidence to try new things.”
She said Leeds Children’s Charity, based at Lineham Farm, had helped to identify the schools and community groups where children were most in need.
Michele said: “Seeing what the children achieved during that first week has reinforced just how valuable this partnership can be. By working together, we can reach more children who might otherwise miss out on these experiences.”
In Leeds, around one in four children live below the poverty line, often denying them opportunities and basic experiences that others take for granted.
Michele said as well as reaching children in towns and cities, it was vital to help those in rural areas who are isolated because of poor transport links.
Following the success of the first week Go Beyond and the Leeds Children’s Charity, both of which have more than 30 years of experience, are now working together on another break.
Michele added: “We are really hoping these will be the first of many. It’s proof that by working together we can help more vulnerable children and make their lives better.”