Staffordshire University has joined the Space programme for the first time and will be hosting a summer of fun activities for children
We are delighted to get involved. We have some fantastic facilities on our Stoke-on-Trent campus and it will be great to see young people enjoying them. As well as sports pitches, we have a nature reserve which stretches across 10 hectares and includes a pond, river, wood and wildlife meadow. It’s a lovely setting for children to get outdoors and explore natural habitats.
Young people, aged between eight and 17, can take part in football and outdoor adventure sessions on the Stoke-on-Trent campus. There will be something on offer every week during August – and all these activities are free.
It marks the first year the University has been involved in the popular Space scheme, which is funded by Staffordshire’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. In 2022, almost 11,000 young people across Staffordshire enjoyed more than 2,500 activities during the school summer holidays.
This year’s programme will run from Monday, 31 July to Friday, 1 September.
Kim Chadwick-Reaney, Head of Schools’ Liaison at Staffordshire University, said: “We are delighted to get involved. We have some fantastic facilities on our Stoke-on-Trent campus and it will be great to see young people enjoying them.
“As well as sports pitches, we have a nature reserve which stretches across 10 hectares and includes a pond, river, wood and wildlife meadow. It’s a lovely setting for children to get outdoors and explore natural habitats.”
The GetWild activities on campus will be delivered by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust on 8, 15 and 29 August. Each session lasts from 1pm to 3pm and is aimed at eight to 16-year-olds.
Activities are set to include nature walks, natural art and building dens. Places are limited so booking is essential.
There will also be weekly football sessions run by Engage Communities, along with a football tournament on 3 August.
The first session – on 1 August between 4.30pm and 6pm – is for eight to 16-year-olds. The others will take place at a similar time on 8, 15, 22 and 29 August and are aimed at young people aged 11 to 17. People can just turn up on the day.
Across Staffordshire, there will be a variety of activities, including swimming, multi-sports and gym events, trips, and arts and crafts.
Space was relaunched back in 2015 and has since gone from strength to strength. By providing children with positive things to do, the programme has also had a knock-on impact on reducing anti-social behaviour in communities.
Ben Adams, Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said: “Space clearly makes a difference, providing memorable experiences for many while diverting some away from potential involvement in low-level crime and anti-social behaviour.”
Find out more about the Space activities taking place at Staffordshire University.