Kids in the City is a brand new idea from KAT and it was an absolute joy to see the event take place for the very first time in our own city of Colchester, launching the first week of the summer holidays. Families travelled from across Essex to join in activities in Colchester city centre on July 29th and 30th for Kids in the City, a weekend of free fun-filled activities to mark the NSPCC’s Childhood Day.
Colchester played host to a collection of fabulous experiences, each giving youngsters the chance to explore a different theme or potential career. It was a chance for the kids to dream big and take over the city, but it also proved to be an inspiration for both children and parents, learning more about their passions and what they may want to do when they grow up.
One of the most popular activities of the weekend was a medical themed escape room for aspiring healthcare professionals of the future, which saw staff from Colchester Hospital share with children some of the key aspects of their roles. Louise Bennett, Talent for Care Lead at the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, commented: “Kids in the City was a truly unique and worthwhile event. We really valued the opportunity to showcase the varied career pathways in the NHS, while providing a fun experience for children in the local community.”
The feedback we’ve received from parents and children has blown us away and it’s fantastic that Kids in the City has made such an impression on little minds that will leave a legacy for many years to come.
Jennie Norris who joined in the fun with her children Hannah, 6, and Joseph, 4, said “We thought the event was excellent. Really well organised, really friendly staff. My children thoroughly enjoyed it all and have been setting up their own Kids in the City event at home for me and their dad! Joseph said he wished it was on again today. They have both been inspired by the event. We have also done the octopus hunt and trick or treat events and look forward to the next one!”
It’s exciting to see how this event can continue and grow year on year and so huge thank you goes out to all of our corporate partners who helped raise money for the NSPCC and who provided amazing opportunities to children to start thinking about what they might do when they grow up.
For more information relating to Kids in the City future plans and events please visit www.kidsinthecity.org.uk or follow our social channels on @KidsInTheCityNSPCC