Members will be aware that over the course of the last year, we've funded both a Summer of Fun and a Winter of Well-being to support our children and young people as they recover from the impacts of the pandemic. Working with a range of providers across Wales, we've been able to deliver countless free activities to support the social and emotional well-being of children and young people aged nought to 25 across the whole country. We've heard from a number of children, parents and providers, all talking about the benefits of children and young people being able to mix with their peers, access new activities and get out and about in our communities. And I know that many of you will have attended these activities in your own constituencies and seen the impact they have. That's why I'm delighted to be able to confirm that we will be funding a further Haf o Hwyl this summer. 

For many of our children, the disruptions of the last few years, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis we are currently facing, means that they haven't had much time for fun, and they can't afford to do many of the activities that they used to. When hard choices have to be made about rent, bills and food, then there's no spare money for ice creams, fun days or summer holiday clubs. But those are the experiences that we should strive for all our children to have.

In funding these activities through the Summer of Fun, I want to make sure that all children and young people in Wales have an opportunity to play freely, to have new experiences and to enjoy their summer. We are therefore investing over £7 million in supporting a range of organisations to deliver free and inclusive activities for children and young people aged nought to 25, from all backgrounds and all parts of Wales. Funding has been allocated between our local authorities and a number of national organisations to ensure there is something for everyone. Activities will start from 1 July and run to 30 September, with more information about these and other summer activities available from local authorities and our national partners. Our national partners include: Sport Wales; Amgueddfa Cymru—National Museum Wales; the Federation of Museums and Art Galleries of Wales; the Archives and Records Council Wales; the Society of Chief Librarians Wales; the Urdd Gobaith Cymru; Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru; Mentrau Iaith Cymru; Play Wales; Mudiad Meithrin; Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids' Clubs; the Council for Wales of Voluntary Youth Services; and the Wales Federation of Young Farmers Clubs. 

This year we will also be supporting providers to offer food at their activities, helping with some of the serious issues we face around holiday hunger and rising food bills for families. Alongside the continuation of free-school-meal provision over the summer, the funding available via the Fit and Fun scheme run by the Minister for Education and the Welsh Language and our separate Playworks schemes, this should ensure that no child has to go hungry.

Last year our Summer of Fun reached over 67,000 children and young people. The independent evaluation, published in December, shows that 99 per cent of those attending had fun, which is good to hear, 88 per cent reported that it helped them be more active, and 73 per cent felt it helped them manage their mental health. The choice and variety of both outdoor and indoor activities were also praised. This included sports from swimming and climbing to playing with water balloons and ziplining, as well as indoor play and activities, such as board games, soft play, arts and crafts, music and theatre. I myself visited a number of these activities, and I visited a basketball event in my own constituency, which was a huge hit with the children, and I also went to a number of events in Rhondda Cynon Taf. And it was absolutely wonderful to see them so well attended and providing so much fun.

So, this year we expect to see even more activities. Examples of plans put forward by providers include play in the park events; mindfulness sessions and self-care workshops; self-defence and confidence-building sessions; filmmaking workshops; a wide range of sporting and physical activity sessions; and multi-activity offers and fun sessions in library settings. We've also seen proposals for respite activities for young carers, providing support with life skills and access to peer groups and support sessions for young mums, helping their bodies to adjust during pregnancy and after childbirth, including healthy-eating advice and confidence-building sessions.

Funding can also be used to cover some transport costs, though organisations have been asked to arrange activities in areas that can be easily accessed on foot, on public transport or via active travel routes. We've also asked that particular focus be given to supporting some of our more vulnerable and disengaged children and young people, and we've also asked that a particular focus be given to those who are seeking sanctuary, young carers and looked-after children.

So, I'd like to ask the Senedd to join me in welcoming this investment and in supporting our children and young people to have a much deserved Haf o Hwyl.