Keeping children entertained during holidays under lockdown has been an added challenge for many families this month, but 10,000 youngsters have been helped thanks to half-term activity packs delivered by Newcastle United and the club's official charity arm Newcastle United Foundation.
Dozens of volunteers from the Foundation used their own transport to support deliveries across the two weeks of holiday to schools and community centres across the city.
The packs, created by Newcastle City Council and partners, catered for younger age groups as well as teenagers and included sports equipment, puzzle books, phone chargers, family games, mental wellbeing advice and activity booklets.
“We know younger generations are missing out on their school routines, socialising with friends and seeing family members at such a pivotal stage in their education and development," Steve Beharall, head of the Foundation, told the official Newcastle website.
🙌 A half-term treat is being handed to more than 10,000 schoolchildren across Newcastle thanks to delivery support from @NU_Foundation!
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 17, 2021
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“Our Foundation is dedicated to supporting everyone across the North East and we will continue to serve communities most in need in any way we can throughout this pandemic and beyond."
Vital aid
Newcastle are one of a number of Premier League clubs providing support to those in need across their local areas through extra provisions.
Sheffield United have reached out to those affected by cancer during lockdown by distributing care packages as part of its Fans FC programme.
Elsewhere the community arms of West Ham United, Arsenal and Leyton Orient have partnered with their local NHS Trusts on the Advantage programme, created to support young Londoners with mental health issues caused by the pandemic.
