This summer, Summer Together at Cedar Park brought children and families together for five free Fridays of play, food and fun, creating opportunities to connect, explore and make lasting memories.
Together, we celebrated 2,540 hours of play, giving children the chance to be active, creative, adventurous and sociable, while providing families with free, accessible activities without the financial pressure of a day out.
Summer Together brought children, parents, carers, volunteers and local families together in a shared community celebration. Friendships flourished throughout the programme, with parents and carers building supportive relationships and families making plans to meet again beyond the summer.
By providing free, high-quality activities, Summer Together helped families enjoy meaningful experiences together without worrying about the cost. Parents and carers could participate alongside their children, connect with other families and build a stronger sense of belonging within their community.
Children had opportunities to play, learn and try new experiences in a welcoming environment. From touching a snake and discovering how animals live to watching Toy Story with their families and enjoying ice cream, children shared moments of excitement, discovery and connection.
Most importantly, children’s own words captured the impact of the programme. One child reflected, “We don’t have to do things that cost money.” This highlights the importance of accessible community spaces where children can enjoy themselves, build friendships and create memories regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
Summer Together demonstrated the value of listening to children and families and shaping community provision around their experiences. By responding to their voices and needs, the programme helped build trust, strengthen relationships and encourage families to stay connected. The friendships formed during the summer are a reminder that community-led activities can have a lasting impact beyond the sessions themselves.
At The Children’s Community – Tameside, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to play, thrive and feel part of their community. Summer Together is an example of how bringing people together through accessible, welcoming activities can strengthen communities, empower families and create better opportunities for children.
