THIS Christmas break, a local charity is being supported by a Harlow school to offer activities and food parcels for vulnerable families in the local area.

Pemberley Academy on Hodings Road has joined forces with Changing Lives and offered to provide a space in the town centre area so that children can enjoy coaching and meals during the traditional school holiday, something that is being funded by Active Essex.

“When Changing Lives and Active Essex approached me about this project we were only too happy to let them use the space” said Headteacher Neil Coster “Anything like this which offers an outlet to families in what has been an extraordinary year, even on Christmas eve will always get the full support of my staff, governing body, the trust and I”

The Changing Lives project is going to be running holiday clubs in two areas of the town and hopes to engage over 100 children per day, from vulnerable families and engage them in sport and activity at no cost.

Co- Director of Changing Lives David Simmons said “We are delighted to secure funding from Active Essex and Essex County Council to provide FREE sports provision over the Christmas Holidays, as well as FREE lunches and Christmas Hampers. We will be helping the most vulnerable children in Harlow and for those children on FREE school meals.”

If you would like to apply please visit www.changinglivescommunityservices.com