Holiday Fun Story – Natalie
Thanks to supporters like you, Natalie and her son can relax and enjoy fun days out without worrying about the costs.
Our Holiday Fun programme has made a huge difference for Natalie and her son. When they arrived in Colchester from Ukraine, Natalie found it hard to find affordable activities for her kids. But joining our programme gave them a safe, welcoming place where her son could try new creative activities and movement sessions – all for free.
The free access to these activities, plus hot and nutritious meals, was a lifeline for their family. Natalie’s son enjoys trying out a variety of activities and especially loves our football sessions with local clubs. Inspired by the support our programme provides, Natalie joined the Holiday Fun team, gaining professional growth while also helping other families facing financial challenges.
The challenge of finding affordable activities
Two years ago, Natalie and her children arrived in Colchester from Ukraine. Like many families new to the area, she struggled to find affordable ways to keep her kids busy and happy. Sports like roller skating or even simple arts and crafts felt out of reach because of the cost. Then she discovered our Holiday Fun programme, where creative and movement activities were free, opening the door to experiences her family couldn’t otherwise afford.
“For me, it’s very difficult.” Natalie explains. “If I’m looking for some sport for children like roller skate or something, it’s impossible. You know, it can be of very high price or nothing.”
At our Holiday Fun programme, Natalie and her son found a safe, welcoming space to spend time together, try new things, enjoy a meal, and meet other families. She says: “It was very difficult in Colchester. So, we came to Firstsite. It was Holiday Fun and we did some arts and crafts […] and it was amazing.”
Creative activities like these aren’t just about having fun. They give children a chance to use their imaginations, build resilience, and learn important skills like teamwork and problem-solving. For Natalie’s son, every session brought something new and exciting to try. “Every school holiday he’s here,” Natalie says. “It can be sport or for example, like today it’s circus, drumming and he loves, loves everything.”
“It was very difficult in Colchester. So, we came to Firstsite. It was Holiday Fun and we did some arts and crafts […] and it was amazing.”
Support throughout school holidays and weekends
School holidays can be especially tough for families. With the rising cost of living, many parents face the stress of finding affordable ways to keep their kids active and entertained. This can leave families feeling isolated and anxious, with few options for staying connected and having fun together.
Natalie appreciates how Holiday Fun allows her family to try things they wouldn’t otherwise have access to at home. “For me, every session at Firstsite is very helpful for family because something you can’t try at home – it may be dirty or you need to buy these materials or some fabric, but here you can try everything […] And you can have a free lunch for family, so it’s incredible.”
“I saw a vacancy here about Assistant of Holiday Fun and I applied for this job because I had similar experience in my country.”
Giving back as part of the Holiday Fun team
As Natalie’s family became more involved in Holiday Fun, she saw firsthand how much the programme helps families like hers – and it inspired her to give back. Drawing on her own experiences in Ukraine, she applied for a job as a Holiday Fun assistant. During her interview, she shared her ideas for crafts and thoughts on supporting family life – and she got the job! Now, she helps other families find joy and connection through the same programme that had such a big impact on her own life.
Natalie believes that Holiday Fun offers something for everyone. The programme’s variety of activities has allowed her family to find what they love and spend quality time together. “I think every family can find something special for them.”
Natalie’s journey has come full circle – what started as a way to engage her children in meaningful, affordable activities has turned into an opportunity for personal growth and professional development, all while helping other families.
Your donation can help more families like Natalie and her son
£22 can provide a child with a weekend of fun and inspiration at Holiday Fun, where they can enjoy two days full of art and movement activities and a nutritious hot meal each day.
Donate £22 between 3 -10 Dec and Big Give will double it so you can give two children a weekend of fun and creativity!
Please give whatever you can to help to support our Holiday Fun programme – providing free art, sport and meals over the winter weekends and school holidays to families facing financial challenges.
Have your donation doubled today