Earlier this month, students from two participating primary schools in Luton joined the University’s Access & Outreach team for a programme of creative activities and free hot meals during the school holidays.

During the day-long sessions, schoolchildren were invited to engage in various Easter related activities including plant pot decorating, creating Easter egg hunt bags, and getting creative with LEGO bricks – all supported by University staff and a team of student ambassadors.

Sundip Sahota, Access & Outreach Support Officer, explained how these sessions benefit students: “We have worked alongside the Level Trust for many years and play an imperative role in supporting children in accessing free activities that otherwise would not be affordable for families during the school holidays.

“These activities are always a success amongst students as not only do they get to learn new skills, but each day they take something away with them as a memory of what they have achieved. Our ambassadors build strong relationships with the students and often do not want the week to end!”

One child who took part in the engaging activities commented that he was “having the time of his life”, while another added that their favourite thing about the SMASH Roadshow was “making friends, going to the farm and playing in the playground with my friends.”

The University has run the SMASH programme with the Level Trust for over six years, providing ways for local children to take part in the fun learning experience during the school holidays. The Level Trust is a Luton-based charity, helping children aged 3-16 from over 60 local schools who are living in poverty to continue to reach their educational potential through a series of initiatives and projects.

A spokesperson for The Level Trust added: “SMASH is such a rewarding experience, not just for the students that attend, but also for the staff. We get to watch the children come out of their shells as they try new activities and make friends with new people. Our supportive team of staff and activity providers make SMASH possible and allow us to provide vital holiday provision to children in Luton.

“This provision is a great way of getting children out of the house and allowing them to engage with new experiences. It also gives them a free hot meal during the day which many children may not get at home. We are continually growing and expanding the provision so that we can meet the demands of the community.”