This summer, something truly special blossomed in the heart of Spondon, Derby. At Flourish and Thrive, our community centre is all about bringing people together, and 2025 gave us the perfect chance to do just that through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme.
Supported by Derby City Council, HAF provides children and families with more than just free meals and childcare during the school holidays. It offers a chance to play, learn, connect, and grow in a safe, welcoming environment. And for one of our volunteers—who generously shared their story with us—it was also an experience that changed them in ways they didn’t expect.
Discovering the HAF Programme
Although already an active volunteer at Flourish and Thrive, this was their very first time taking part in such a large-scale programme for children. What unfolded was a summer full of friendship, adventure, and community spirit.
The HAF sessions ran throughout the holidays, bringing together children from all over Spondon and the wider Derby area. Every day offered something different—creative workshops, energetic sports, themed activities, and shared meals. The children didn’t just stay busy; they discovered new passions, built friendships, and learned the value of community.
“I thought I was volunteering to give children a positive holiday experience,” our volunteer reflected, “but what I didn’t realise was just how much it would give back to me, too.”
Activities That Sparked Wonder
The programme was designed to keep children engaged, inspired, and active. Over the summer, the Flourish and Thrive team delivered a wide variety of activities, including:
- Gaming days where teamwork and strategy brought children together.
- Sports and games that encouraged fitness, fun, and fair play.
- Science and space-themed adventures that fuelled curiosity about the world beyond.
- Beach days and nature trails that brought a taste of the outdoors into the heart of Derby.
- Bug hunts and forest school activities where children got hands-on with the natural world.
And at the heart of it all was the daily shared meal. Sitting down together to enjoy healthy food gave everyone the chance to slow down, connect, and reflect on the day.
A Personal Highlight: Nature Days
For our volunteer, one set of activities stood out above the rest: the nature days. A lifelong love of the outdoors made guiding children through bug hunts and forest walks a natural joy.
One moment in particular remains unforgettable.
“We discovered a baby squirrel that had fallen from a tree. The children were fascinated as we carefully made sure it was safe until its mother returned. The look of wonder on their faces was something I’ll never forget. It felt like a lesson in empathy, patience, and respect for nature all wrapped into one beautiful moment.”
Moments like these are what make community projects in Derby so powerful. They’re not just activities; they’re shared experiences that leave lasting memories for children and adults alike.
Watching Confidence Bloom
What struck the team most wasn’t just the fun but the transformation in the children themselves. Some arrived shy, quiet, or unsure. Others struggled with confidence or had never tried group activities before. But over the course of the programme, something magical happened.
With encouragement from volunteers and the gentle support of peers, those same children began to laugh louder, play harder, and try new things. Parents often commented that they couldn’t believe the changes they saw.
“More than once, I thought to myself, their parents wouldn’t believe this if we didn’t have photos to show them!”
That growth in confidence is one of the greatest legacies of the HAF programme. It proves that when children feel safe, supported, and included, they can truly thrive.
Inclusion at the Heart
At Flourish and Thrive, inclusivity is a cornerstone of everything we do. This summer, the HAF project brought together a mixture of children, some with additional needs and some without.
Our volunteer, who is autistic, shared a deeply personal reflection on this:
“I saw echoes of my own childhood in some of the children who struggled with group activities. That made it even more meaningful when I could help a child feel comfortable, included, and able to join in. What touched me most was how the children played together—without judgment, without bullying, just children being children.”
This spirit of acceptance and belonging is exactly why community-led charities and projects matter. They create environments where differences are celebrated and every child has the chance to feel part of something bigger.
Challenges and Teamwork
Of course, no project runs without its challenges. With thirty energetic children in a room, the noise, movement, and constant activity can feel overwhelming—especially for someone managing their own sensory needs.
But here’s where the strength of volunteering in community projects truly shines. The team supported one another, stepping in when needed, sharing responsibilities, and celebrating successes together. That teamwork was as rewarding for the volunteers as the activities were for the children.
The Personal Impact of Volunteering
For our volunteer, the summer HAF experience wasn’t just about giving—it was also about receiving.
- It built new confidence in their own skills.
- It nurtured a sense of belonging within the Spondon community.
- It sparked a growing passion for working with children, especially those with additional needs.
“I went into HAF hoping to make a difference for the children. But I came away changed myself—in the very best way.”
This is why volunteering is such a powerful part of community life. It’s not just about what you give; it’s about how it enriches you, too.
Looking Ahead: Christmas and Beyond
The summer may be over, but the story doesn’t end here. Flourish and Thrive are already preparing for the next HAF programme at Christmas, ready to welcome families back with new activities, festive fun, and the same spirit of togetherness.
The HAF project shows us what’s possible when local charities, councils, and volunteers work side by side. It proves that by investing in children and families, we build stronger, happier communities for everyone.
A Call to the Community
If this story has inspired you, why not get involved yourself?
- Volunteer – Your time, energy, and skills could make a world of difference.
- Donate – Support local charities like Flourish and Thrive to help sustain programmes like HAF.
- Spread the word – Share stories of positive community impact to inspire others.
- Take part – Join our future events and be part of the Flourish and Thrive family.
Together, we can ensure that projects like HAF don’t just survive—they thrive.
Final Thoughts
The Flourish and Thrive HAF project was more than just a summer programme. It was proof of the power of community, connection, and compassion. It gave children a safe space to grow, families peace of mind, and volunteers experiences that will stay with them forever.
As we look back on a summer filled with laughter, nature walks, science experiments, shared meals, and new friendships, one thing is clear: when a community comes together, everyone flourishes.
Here in Spondon, we’re proud to be part of that story. And we can’t wait to keep writing the next chapter—together.
If you would like to volunteer and make a difference in your community contact us here!
