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Development Officer for Home Start Caithness

Home Start Caithness
Home Start Caithness


Proposal code: THC-2026-05-117

Designing, coordinating, and delivering high‑quality holiday activities for children and families. Reduce inequality, widen access to to enriching experiences and reducing food and fuel insecurity.

Estimated Cost

£22,500

We want to deliver a programme of free, inclusive holiday activities for children and families, led by a dedicated Development Officer. The project will remove barriers to participation, reduce inequality, and ensure that all children  regardless of income, geography, or circumstance  have access to enriching experiences during school holidays.

Funding will support:

  • A Development Officer to design, coordinate, and deliver holiday activities

  • Free children’s activity sessions (arts, play, outdoor learning, wellbeing, STEM, sports)

  • Family sessions that strengthen relationships and reduce isolation

  • Targeted support for families experiencing poverty, rural isolation, disability, or additional needs

  • Transport support for families who cannot access activities due to geography

  • Healthy snacks/meals to reduce holiday hunger

  • Venue hire and outreach delivery in local halls, hubs, and community spaces

  • Volunteer recruitment and training to build community capacity

  • Resources and materials for creative, educational, and play‑based activities

The programme will run across all school holiday periods, including summer, October, Christmas, and Easter.

2. Why is this project important for your community? (Alignment with Place Plan)

Our community faces significant challenges around child poverty, rural isolation, limited transport, and lack of accessible holiday provision. Many families cannot afford paid activities, and children in low‑income households often miss out on social, creative, and developmental opportunities during school breaks.

This project directly aligns with our Area Place Plan priorities, including:

  • Reducing inequality and improving life chances

  • Strengthening family wellbeing and resilience

  • Creating opportunities for children and young people

  • Supporting community connection and reducing isolation

  • Making better use of local assets and community spaces

By offering free, local, high‑quality activities, we remove financial and geographic barriers and ensure that every child has the chance to thrive. The project also supports parents by reducing holiday stress, providing safe spaces for children, and strengthening family relationships.

3. Our positive impact will your project have

The project will deliver measurable improvements for children, families, and the wider community.

For Children

  • Increased confidence, social skills, and emotional wellbeing

  • Access to enriching experiences they may otherwise miss

  • Reduced isolation and improved peer relationships

  • Increased physical activity and creative engagement

For Families

  • Reduced financial pressure during holidays

  • Strengthened parent‑child relationships

  • Increased connection to local support networks

  • Improved mental wellbeing and reduced stress

For the Community

  • Greater use of local venues and community assets

  • Stronger partnerships between organisations

  • Reduced inequality in access to play, learning, and wellbeing opportunities

  • Increased volunteer involvement and community capacity

4. Key milestones achieved so far & next steps

Completed Milestones

  • Community engagement & support evidenced: Families, schools, and partner organisations have highlighted the need for accessible holiday activities.

  • We have been delivery hoilday activties and been very successful in our reach and outcomes 

  • Project plan created: A clear delivery model, staffing structure, and activity framework are in place.

  • Feasibility work completed: Venues identified, partners engaged, and delivery routes mapped.

  • Quotes obtained: Costs for venues, materials, and transport have been gathered.

  • Funding applications submitted: This application forms part of a wider sustainability plan.

Next Steps

  • Recruit the Development Officer

  • Finalise activity timetable and venue bookings

  • Engage volunteers and partners

  • Launch communications and family sign‑up

  • Begin delivery for the next school holiday period

5. Anticipated start date / end date

Start date: As soon as funding is confirmed

This proposal has no notifications.
Don't have defined milestones