South Tyneside charity Key Community is gearing up for the summer holidays with a programme designed to help families keep children fed, active and engaged throughout the break (20 July – 28 August).
Key will once again provide free craft activities, snacks and take home-recipe bags, for children from families who could benefit. The bus will operate Tuesday to Thursday, following its usual timetable.
Sessions will be available on a first come, first served basis, with activities and food provided while supplies last. At the end of each visit, families will be able to collect a ‘Busto Pack’ – a recipe kit designed to feed four people, with simple instructions to make meals together at home. One pack will be provided per family.
Children can take part in creative activities on the bus’s upper deck, accessible by staircase only. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the session.
Each recipe kit will include ingredients for a meat, fish or vegetarian meal, helping families prepare affordable, nutritious food together.
No booking is required. Families can simply visit any scheduled stop – details are available at: keycommunity.org.uk/key-community-bus/.
Throughout the summer, Key’s Prevention and Intervention team will also be on board, offering practical advice and support to families who may need it.
Visitors to the bus can also make use of a book swap library and access free pre-loved school uniform, for primary and secondary schools across South Tyneside.
Uniform can also be requested via the charity’s Key to Life Foodbank by messaging their Facebook page (@KeytoLifeFoodbank) or calling 07833 613 393 with details of the school and sizes required.
As part of this year’s programme, families will also have the opportunity to take part in a free coach trip to Beadnell on Thursday 30 July. The visit will include a packed lunch for all attendees, alongside beach-based activities led by Ranger Jane’s Beach School, offering a mix of fun, creativity and learning by the sea.
Further details, including booking information for the trip, can be found below.
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** ADDITIONAL INFORMATION **
Coach Trip to Beadnell with beach activities by Ranger Jane’s Beach School – Thursday 30 July 2026
Join us for a fantastic day at the coast, packed with seashore fun, learning and creativity. With its beautiful sandy beach and stunning coastal scenery, Beadnell is the perfect place for children and families to enjoy a summer day out.
Ranger Jane’s Beach School will be delivering a range of engaging beach-based activities designed to encourage exploration, creativity and outdoor learning. All attendees will also receive a healthy packed lunch.
How to book
As places on the coach are limited and the trip is primarily aimed at children, we can accommodate one adult per family only.
1. Register your interest
To register your interest, please DM Key to Life’s Facebook page or call the foodbank on 07833 613 393 by Wednesday 15 July 2026.
Please provide the following information for each participant:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Postcode
- Details of any allergies
- Details of any SEND requirements
We will contact successful applicants to confirm that they have been allocated a place by midday on Friday 17 July 2026. Due to the anticipated level of demand, we are unable to contact everyone individually. If you do not hear from us, unfortunately your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
2.Secure your places
To secure your family’s place, a refundable £5 deposit per family will then be required. Your booking will only be confirmed once the deposit has been received.
Deposits must be paid in person at Key to Life Foodbank by Friday 24 July 2026.
The deposit will be refunded on attendance. If you are no longer able to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so that your place can be offered to another family.
Pick-up/Drop-off Location
Key to Life Foodbank, Boldon Lane, South Shields, NE34 0LZ.
Timings
Outward:
Coach departs: 9.30am Please arrive by: 9.15am
Return:
Expected return c. 4.30 pm
Please note:
- All children/young people must be accompanied by an adult parent/guardian.
- Suitable clothing and footwear should be worn for beach activities. Please dress appropriately for the weather and don’t forget sun cream.
- Children aged 3 and under must have their own suitable child car seat for use on the coach.
- Please advise any dietary requirements or allergies. Attendees are encouraged to bring extra drinks and any additional snacks they may require during the day.
- If your place has been confirmed and you can no longer attend, please call us on 07833 613 393 so we can offer it to another family.
- Photography and videos may be taken at this event for marketing and press purposes. If you do not want your child to be photographed, please make the activity provider aware on arrival. Photo consent forms will be handed out to gain permissions from parents who are happy for their children to be photographed.