Young people from Edinburgh and East Lothian were treated to 4 weeks of fun in the sun through our Positive Transitions Summer Programme.
Positive Transitions helps children and young people across Edinburgh and the Lothians in the transition from primary to secondary school. Through activities and one-to-one support, they have the opportunity to find their voice, express their concerns, and share their interests with our Youth & Family Coordinators, VIPs, and other young people.
Due to a range of reasons, such as busy family work schedules or finances, summer can be a challenging time for young people and families. Our Summer Programme creates opportunities for young people to make new friends, explore new environments, and experience unforgettable outings and activities at no cost to their families.
This year, we caught some rays at Portobello beach, stargazed in Dynamic Earth’s auditorium, said hello to a few cheeky monkeys at Edinburgh Zoo, and showed our competitive side in games of bowling and mini golf.
The hardworking Positive Transitions team behind the Summer Programme love these trips as they get the chance to see the young people they’ve been supporting let their hair down. Without them, this opportunity wouldn’t be possible.
A summer to remember
When starting at a new secondary school, it can be daunting to make new friends. The Summer Programme helps tackle this issue by inviting children and young people from across different schools who will be attending secondary school together. Our trips help create a relaxed environment where they can express themselves and make new friends.
A highlight of the 4-week programme for many of the participants was their trip to Edinburgh Zoo. Myles loves penguins and was over the moon when he found out he could see them in person for the first time.
Another standout moment was our trip to Dynamic Earth, which showed that just because you aren’t in school, it doesn’t mean you can’t learn something new and exciting. Our group was treated to a planetarium show that sparked interest in many young astronomers who, although small, dared to dream out of this world.
The programme concluded with a fun-filled day of bowling and mini-golf, with laughter and excitement filling the air. This new group of friends will go on to experience the new school year together after a summer to remember. They may even be friends for life, and we’re so happy that we get to see these friendships blossom each year.
All the young participants had an unforgettable experience at this year’s Summer Programme, which wouldn’t be possible without the funding provided by our donors, Capital Credit Union and Ponton House Trust.