In addition to the parent and feedback surveys, our providers produce Case Studies to highlight the benefits attending their HAF Programmes have on children and families in the borough. The following is a case study of a 7-year-old boy who attended Danson Youth Trust during the Winter 2024 HAF Programme.

Danson Youth Trust operates the HAF scheme from its premises in Brampton Road, Bexleyheath. During term-time operation I am a gymnastics instructor and youth club leader. During HAF I teach gymnastics and also run games and ice-breaker activities.

This was the first time that this child had attended our HAF programme. He came to the centre very unsure and initially struggled with separation anxiety. We have learnt that he and his mum are relatively new to the borough as they fled domestic violence, so this was a big step for him and for mum to feel confident leaving him in someone else’s care. Both were reassured that this is a safe space, and we would help him every step of the way.

He familiarised himself with the centre and staff who took time to introduce him to other children. Wary at first, he soon started developing new relationships and, by the end of the programme, new friendships. Over the course of the programme his development and progression were clear for all to see.

He found the physical activities particularly tough and challenging at times as this is something he would not normally engage with yet gave everything his full energy and commitment.

With English not being his first language and having not experienced a school environment for some time, he thrived on routine and left every day happy and excited for the next session.

When it came to food and snacks, he was always keen to get seconds and said, our food was the best. Snack breaks and lunch time were a valuable opportunity for him to develop his social skills further and interact informally on his own terms. It was heartening to see his progression in this regard, and he left the camp with new-found confidence and a new circle of friends.

Overall, this individual gained brilliant social opportunities from attending HAF and a new self-belief that he can achieve all that he hopes to. His mum also commented that he “was a new boy” and how pleased she was that he had found a safe place to go. We were also able to signpost mum to other services to assist in her own personal journey.

It was a pleasure to have this young individual at our centre and we look forward to welcoming him to any future programmes."