Campaign urges north families to Get Into Summer

NORTH-east families are being urged to sign their kids up for a summer holiday initiative.

The Scottish Government and Parent Club have launched Get Into Summer as new research reveals that half (50 per cent) of parents are worried about their child’s mental health, with 81 per cent agreeing that opportunities to mix and socialise safely with other children and young people this summer would help their child’s wellbeing.

However, over half of parents (54 per cent) face practical difficulties in getting their child to summer clubs and activities. Among the top reasons are: Expense – 54 per cent feel that clubs and activities are too expensive; Transportation – 34 per cent do not have transportation to take children to clubs and activities; Work commitments – 27 per cent of parents feel it is difficult to fit drop-off and pick-ups around work and other commitments.

Get Into Summer offers free and discounted activities and tips for children, teens, parents and carers to boost their health and mental wellbeing, acknowledging how tough the last year has been.

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “It’s been a really challenging year for families in Scotland and the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people is a key priority.

"Children, young people and their families have told us that they need opportunities to help them reconnect with their peers and friends. We have listened and taken action with the Get Into Summer campaign, which offers a wealth of activities, ideas and practical tips and advice for families across Scotland to help them safely reconnect with friends, peers, the wider community and the outdoors.”

Half of parents (51 per cent) said they find it difficult to think of things to do with their children over the summer that will help their wellbeing, with 68 per cent stating that they would like ideas and information to support and improve their child’s mental wellbeing.

The Parent Club website also provides tips to help families look after their wellbeing, and advice on what to do if you or your children are finding things difficult.

Robert Nesbitt, Head of Physical Activity and Sport at Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) said: “The last year has been tough for children as well as their parents.

"While school holidays provide a much-needed break, for some families and parents this can also cause added stress and worry and so it’s great to have ideas and opportunities to keep children busy and active.

“Helping children and teens reconnect socially doesn’t need to bring added expense and often the simple things like enjoying the outdoors and being active or a simple picnic with friends and other parents can help to boost your mental health and wellbeing.”

Get Into Summer encourages families to take advantage of everything that is on offer locally and across Scotland, with tips and ideas to get children out and about, connecting with their friends and making new ones.

For more information about the Get Into Summer campaign visit https://www.parentclub.scot/topics/get-into-summer