Burgess Sports has always been a lifeline for young families but never more so than this summer holiday.
On top of the usual childcare struggles, financial worries and impact of ‘holiday hunger’ experienced by many children and parents in Southwark, the COVID-19 pandemic has left many struggling to go back to work and juggle childcare.
Burgess Sports is one of the many community groups that has continued helping those particularly at risk throughout lockdown and into the summer holidays.
During lockdown the club’s volunteers joined forces with Pembroke House, Fooditude, the Creation Trust, Southwark Council, and Bermondsey Employment and Skills Training to help deliver thousands of healthy food parcels and meals to shielding, self-isolating residents and those struggling with their finances.
Now the club is back up and running a daily sports summer camp for 60 children who have not yet been back to school, based at both Walworth Academy and the Giraffe House at Burgess Park.
The summer camp is a chance to play with their friends, try new games and sports and learn new skills – and an opportunity to give some respite to parents in lockdown since March.
All photos and additional reporting by Sebastian Garraway