Summer is often a time of excitement and freedom for children, but for many of the families we support at The Welcome Centre, it can also bring significant challenges. With schools closed, household expenses rise, access to school meals disappears, and childcare becomes a major concern. For low-income families, this season can add pressure to an already difficult situation.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our local partners, this summer we were able to extend our support well beyond food parcels, offering meaningful opportunities that brought relief, joy, and connection to families across Kirklees.
More Than Just Meals: Creating Experiences That Matter
The Zone Holiday Club & HAF Provision
Through The Zone’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, children from low-income households were able to attend multi-sport activity camps. These sessions provided more than just a chance to play—they offered nutritious meals, safe supervision, and the opportunity to socialise and make new friends in a positive, supportive environment.
Huddersfield Town Football Club
Our long-standing friends at Huddersfield Town Football Club once again stepped up in a big way. This summer, they provided 30 free tickets per home game, giving families a chance to enjoy the thrill of live football—an experience many would otherwise never be able to afford.
In addition, the Club invited The Welcome Centre to take part in their new Community Mascot initiative, giving children a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk onto the pitch with their football heroes.
Additional Summer Support
Working with partners across South Kirklees, we helped families access:
School uniform support through the amazing Uniform Exchange
Emergency clothing and toiletries
Bike-ability sessions to promote confidence and independence
Additional HAF programmes offering diverse activities and meals
We also continued to provide fuel vouchers and energy debt advice, helping ease the financial burden many families face at home.
One parent shared their appreciation:
“My children attended every session and loved every minute. It made the summer so much easier. We’re truly grateful.”
The Impact: Over £12,000 in Added Support
Altogether, the additional support we provided this summer was valued at more than £12,000, directly benefiting dozens of families across Kirklees. These services offered more than just short-term relief, they brought dignity, joy, and hope during a season that might otherwise have felt isolating and stressful.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We’re proud of what we’ve been able to achieve this summer but the need continues to grow.
Get in touch with us today and be part of something truly transformative.
