Over 1000 opportunities on offer to give Newcastle’s young people a Christmas to remember

Young people in Newcastle have a thousand chances to celebrate Christmas this year through a range of special activities.

From free theatre tickets, to bowling, Christmas parties and bake offs the programme of events will give children and young people the chance to enjoy activities they otherwise may not have been able to experience.

Three girls ice skating

Many of the events provided are for care experienced children in Newcastle and are the ‘Evry’ plan’s latest response to the impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on the city’s most vulnerable families. All the events have also been planned with the help of youth participation groups ensuring that the views of children and young people continue to be at the heart of any support designed for them.

The Evry plan is a city-wide initiative which unites more than 20 partners from health, education, business, cultural and charitable sectors in a collective mission to improve the lives of the city’s children and young people.

Cllr Sylvia Copley, Cabinet Member a Growing City, Newcastle City Council said: “Christmas can be a difficult time for a lot of our residents and the added pressure of the cost-of-living crisis is having a real impact on our children and young people this year.

“It is fantastic that we can offer these great events. I would like to thank our partners for their support and the brilliant group of children and young people who have worked so hard with us to make sure this support is shaped in a way their peers want.”

Further support is being provided during the Christmas school holidays for all children who receive free meals with funding of £668,000 of food vouchers being distributed via schools to 16,700 children.

Newcastle’s Best Ever Winter programme is also back with 46 projects from a wide range of community settings including leisure venues, youth centre provision, community centres, schools and churches. All the sessions are delivering healthy food, physical and enriching activities from arts & crafts, ice skating, dancing, swimming, and cooking lessons. Details of the activities available can be found on the Newcastle Support Directory.

Businesses and residents who are able are invited to help to support Newcastle’s care experienced young people this Christmas by donating items via a specially created Amazon Wishlist. This contains affordable items have been carefully selected to support young people to stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter. The wish list can be accessed via Amazon.co.uk