Video credit: Jamie Shakeshaft

Our summer programme of activities is now available for you to book a place for your child to take part in a wide range of fun and engaging events and courses.

Here we find out how the FEAST programme, which we run, has helped one teenager find a new passion through one of the courses on offer.

When Warren Dykes first decided to try training in martial arts, it was during a difficult period in his life.

He had been expelled from school and was struggling with instability at home, but he was made aware of Desapline Martial Arts in Scarborough through the FEAST activities programme. The 14-year-old said: 

“My behaviour was just all over the place. Getting in trouble, starting fights - I was just misbehaving in general.”

He signed up for classes at Desapline through the FEAST scheme, which is our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme and offers fully-funded activities with food for eligible children and young people during the holidays.

Over time, he kept coming back, gradually building confidence and settling into the structure of training using it as a way to manage his emotions and focus his energy.

Warren moved through his gradings, began entering competitions and started taking training seriously. He has since competed internationally and won multiple medals, including silver at a world championship in Hungary. He said:

 “I never expected to get this far.”

Now, he has come full circle and volunteers at sessions, helping younger children, including those attending through FEAST, just like he once did.

Andy Desa, who runs the martial arts centre, says that Warren’s experiences make a real difference for the younger children coming through.

Andy said: “The programme brings in children who might not otherwise have access to structured activities, allowing clubs like Desapline to support them over time. FEAST helps us get kids that we wouldn’t normally see walk through the door.

“You see them grow. They come in unsure and then later they’re the ones helping the next group.”

Our executive member for corporate services, Cllr Heather Phillips, whose responsibilities include stronger communities, added: “Stories like Warren’s demonstrate how holiday activities can open doors, remove barriers and give children the chance to thrive in ways that stay with them long after the summer ends.”

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The FEAST holiday programme is open to children aged five to 16, with fully-funded places available for those who receive benefits related free school meals. It offers a wide range of activities, including sports, outdoor adventures, computer programming, dance and animal care.

In the past three years, FEAST has supported thousands of children over the summer, Christmas and Easter holidays.