As summer approaches, the excitement of school holidays is often met with a familiar challenge for parents: how to keep children and teenagers entertained, active and engaged without them vanishing into their phones for hours on end.

The stark reality is digital devices are often an extension of the younger generation these days. While technology can be educational and social, its dominance – especially during long, breaks like summer – can contribute to negative well-being including loneliness and anxiety. It can also replace those meaningful social interactions we take for granted and remove real-world experiences for many of our kids.

Youth services have taken huge cuts over the years, resulting in young people being offered fewer activities, providing them with avenues to develop in different ways. Funding is vital to ensure we create fully rounded individuals, who aren’t purely shaped by what they see and read online. Some people may not have access to the same opportunities as others, but with some additional funding, programmes could be opened to a wider audience at a lower cost or even free.

That’s why I launched my SWAP Summer Support Fund to provide a cash injection for local groups to have a real impact on young people in our communities.

These projects don’t just have to focus on keeping young people busy. It’s about the impact it can have for their mental health, boosting their confidence and giving them meaningful real-world experiences they’ll remember long after the holidays are over.

So, let’s make this summer a season of movement, curiosity, and connection. With the right funding and a community-driven approach, we can help our kids trade the glow of their screens for the warmth of shared experiences—and give them a break that truly feels like one.

To find out more about the funding that is available through the SWAP Summer Support Fund visit my website.