SOME of the borough's hardest to reach young people are enjoying socially distanced sports and activities this summer thanks to LiveWire's Fit, Fed and Read scheme.

The school holiday support scheme runs for three weeks in August, providing children aged seven to 14 with a healthy breakfast and lunch and structured activities.

Taking place at Fairfield Old School, the sessions aim to reduce isolation, educate, empower and improve the health of those taking part.

Paul Flannery, community sports development officer for LiveWire said: "LiveWire leads the way in Warrington with the delivery of regular holiday Fit, Fed and Read schemes.

"Our team works with some of the hardest to reach young people in the town and aims to instil key life skills, while giving them structure and support at a key stage in their lives.

"The August Fit Fed and Read project is going fantastically well, the children involved are fully engaged in all of the activities provided and feedback so far has been excellent.

"These sessions will help to support young people to engage in positive, structured activities following lockdown and will encourage positive mental wellbeing and behaviours at home.

"We know that so many of the families and young people have not had any intervention for such a long time and we want to help with their preparations ahead of the new academic year.

"Fit, Fed and Read is a brilliant example of what can be achieved by partnership working with local agencies – who we thank for their support."

Warrington Guardian:

LiveWire’s Sports Development Team is at the front of a national pilot around this programme, created by the Street Games charity.

Families are referred to the scheme, which is funded through a range of external sources and grants, including Street Games and Fairfield Old School.

Other partner organisations supporting the scheme include Warrington Wolves Foundation and Warrington Police.

Police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, David Keane, has made an express grant available for the project thanks to the Safer Communities Fund, which takes money from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act and reinvests it back into the community.

He explained: "It is extremely important that we continue to ensure young people are looking after their physical and mental wellbeing at this very difficult time.

"At a time where many families may be struggling, the project will bring some relief in the form of both food and stimulating activities.

"Sessions will targeted at those who need it most.

Warrington Guardian:

"While so many projects have focused on emergency support to elderly and vulnerable people in our communities, it’s great to be able to extend my support to young people and encourage them to engage and develop once again."

James Goodison, from Fairfield Old School, added: "The Old School based in Fairfield and Howley is a unique creative community centre that empowers people to make meaningful changes.

"Our ability to provide safe, clean spaces for young people and families has enabled us to facilitate this summer’s Fit and Fed programme in partnership with Livewire Warrington and Warrington Wolves Foundation.

"For the past three years Fit and Fed has supported our families who are greatly in need of vital intervention during the school holidays.

"The positive impact on the lives of those families involved is invaluable."