Summer in Dorset 2025: boosting local businesses and bringing joy to families

Summer in Dorset 2025: boosting local businesses and bringing joy to families

This summer, Dorset Council’s Summer in Dorset 2025 programme not only gave thousands of children and young people a holiday to remember - it also provided a major boost to local businesses, charities, and comm unity organisations across the county.

Funded by the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, Summer in Dorset enabled 65 local providers - including sports camps, forest schools, performing arts groups, football academies, reptile experts, pottery studios, and arts and crafts clubs - to deliver enriching activities to children across 20 rural venues and many more urban locations.

These partnerships have helped small businesses, charities and community organisations grow their reach, build new relationships, and generate income during the summer months.

Cllr Clare Sutton, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said:

“Summer in Dorset continues to be a win-win for our communities. It supports families, gives children unforgettable experiences, and strengthens our local economy by working with Dorset’s brilliant network of businesses and charities. The programme is a great example of how targeted funding can have a wide-reaching impact, benefiting children, parents, and providers alike.”

Key highlights from Summer in Dorset 2025:

• 12,637 hot meals served
• 65 providers involved
• 20 venues in rural areas
• Activities included: sports camps, forest schools, performing arts, football academies, reptile encounters, pottery, and arts & crafts

Impact on children and families:

• 63% of parents said their child made new friends
• 57% said their child felt less socially isolated
• 50% said their child learnt new things
• 37% said their child settled back into school better
• 21% said their child took up a new hobby
• 13% noticed healthier eating habits
• 9% saw improved knowledge of nutrition

One parent shared:

“It is fantastic. I have two adopted children, one with SEND, and it has changed our family life. The kids have structure, they’re trying new activities, growing in confidence, and making new friends. There are lots of activities close to home. I can’t speak highly enough of the programme.”

And from one of the children:

“The staff are really nice and kind – that’s why we come every time. It’s a nice place to hang out and make new friends.”

Plans are already underway for the Winter HAF programme, and Dorset Council will be contacting families soon with details of the activities, clubs, and childcare options available.

For more information, contact: holidayactivities@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or visit https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/haf-programme