Govan holiday programme keeps school children fed and busy over summer

A holiday programme in one of Glasgow’s most deprived areas is helping take the pressure off parents this summer break.

More than a hundred children have gathered at Govan’s Riverside Primary every day over the summer to participate in a range of activities – from badminton to learning how to cook.

It’s free, keeps them busy and lunch is provided in a bid to stave off the so-called “holiday hunger” that can often occur during the school holidays.

The holiday programme, which is in its seventh year, is run by the Govan Youth Information Project (GYIP) and funded by Glasgow City Council.

John Aitken, project youth worker at GYIP, told STV News: “We know that during these school holidays, there’s kids that aren’t getting fed.

“For them to come and get lunch, a snack, juice, whatever – we’re tackling food poverty at the same time as giving them a fun space to play in.”

Angad Deep Singh Vig began volunteering with the programme after the GYIP helped him settle into the area.

“In the holiday time, some of the kids don’t go outside,” he told STV News. “They just stay at home, playing video games…they come here, play some sports and it helps them to make some friends.

“It’s helping with their mental health as well. Sometimes they just want a wee bit cheered up, so I just cheer them up and they play very well.”

The programme is one of 59 across Glasgow supported by the council.

Together, they’re providing more than 300,000 meals to young people across the city this summer.

Councillor Ricky Bell, deputy leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “There are a lot of families who are operating in a cost of living crisis and this is really helpful for them.

“We get messages back from families all the time about how they feel really safe and secure that their young person is being looked after in this kind of environment.

“And the young people themselves will tell you how much they love coming here.”