Gardens launch summer holiday programme

Martineau Gardens, the charitable two-and-a-half acre community garden in the heart of Edgbaston, launches their Wild Play at Martineau playscheme this month, as part of the 'Bring it on Brum!' summer holiday activity provision.

This is a two-week playscheme running from today until 25 August for up to 50 children in the immediate area who qualify for benefits-related free school meals, alongside children who are living in temporary accommodation.

Each day, these children will engage in nature, art and play activities, and will have lunch provided every day.

At the end of each week, on Friday 18 and 25 August, Nathan Swift, executive chef at Chapter, will cook a healthy hot lunch for the children and their parents, catering for around 200 people over those two days.

Nathan said: “This scheme provides vital outdoor space and activities to vulnerable children. By providing meals for children and their family we are supporting Martineau's scheme in the most obvious way we can.

“We are so impressed with Martineau Gardens - it's been exciting to adopt them as our charity this year.”

There is an overwhelming growth in demand for help to feed children during this summer's school holidays.

FareShare Midlands, the region's largest food re-distribution charity, report that demand is soaring.

CEO Simone Connolly said: “During the long summer holidays, parents and carers can find themselves under increased pressure to feed and care for school children, leaving these children and their wider family network vulnerable.

“There is evidence of these children returning to school undernourished and underweight.”

Wild Play at Martineau will be run in conjunction with Birmingham Playcare Network and Bostin' Creative Arts and Theatre.

Juliette Green, Martineau Gardens Environmental Education Teacher says of the scheme: “We are delighted to be able to offer this programme of outdoor play, craft and nature activities to some of our most in-need local families.

“With the rise of children in receipt of free school meals, it's a brilliant opportunity to also be able to offer good quality, nutritional meals, finishing with a fantastic lunch celebration with Chapter at the end of each week.”