This month, I thought I would raise awareness for No Child Left Behind (NCLB) – a wonderful council-supported project that raises awareness of issues facing children and young people – and tell you about an exciting free upcoming event.

Thousands of children whose basic needs are not being satisfied

In 2018, Cheltenham partners commissioned an assessment that highlighted around 4,400 children and young people in our town were living in poverty. To help visualise the scale of this, you could fill both the main rooms in the Town Hall and the Everyman theatre more than twice over with children whose basic needs are not being satisfied.

Against their more affluent peers, these children may face significant challenges, such as poorer mental and physical health, and poorer educational attainment. After these shocking numbers became known, the council decided enough was enough and a helping hand needed to be reached out.

I invite you to see what the NCLB team does in action by coming to ‘NCLB Party in the Park’ on Friday 2nd August from 10am-5pm across Pittville Park and the Prince of Wales Stadium. This is a free event themed around the Paris 2024 Olympics and will include a diverse range of opportunities for children such as sports, circus skills, live music and much more.

Taking away the financial stress of having a day out with your children

The day will start with a quiet hour from 10-11am for children who might find the full event overwhelming. This event takes away the financial stress of having a day out with your children. There will also be stalls for information and advice for families who may be after some support.

If you would like to be involved in the NCLB Party in the Park, whether through donations, volunteering or providing an activity, the team would love to hear from you via email at nochildleftbehind@cheltenham.gov.uk

Alternatively, please visit the No Child Left Behind website: nclbcheltenham.org.uk