Grenfell Tower fire: Families affected by blaze offered seaside trips and summer classes

Families affected by the Grenfell Tower disaster are being offered a summer of activities, including seaside trips and art lessons, the Standard has learnt.

In response to the disaster, the City of London Corporation’s charitable arm, the City Bridge Trust, is paying for excursions to Brighton, sports activities - including Eton Fives coaching sessions - and theatre workshops.

It has handed out a total of £114,480 to 18 organisations, including theatre companies and sports clubs in Kensington and Chelsea to provide a summer programme of activities for young people and families affected by the fire, which claimed at least 80 lives and left hundreds homeless.

Helena Thompson, artistic director at SPID Theatre Company in Ladbroke Grove, said: “We will use the grant to extend our outreach work and our free drama workshops, and to programme an arts therapist who can help those affected deal with trauma.”

Daniel Robbins, senior curator of Kensington’s Leighton House Museum, added: “This grant comes as confirmation of our desire to serve the community and reach out to all areas of the borough, ensuring that everyone can enjoy and benefit from the museum as a place that can nurture curiosity and imagination, and give respite.”

The funding is part of a wider programme initiated by the John Lyon’s Charity in which more than 50 applications are being considered for funding to provide activities.

More support is likely to follow from other organisations. Alison Gowman, chairman of the City Bridge Trust committee, said: “The response of local people to the tragic events of the last few months in the capital have shown the unbreakable strength of communities, coming together in a show of common support and humanity.

“These summer activities will help to bring the community together and give the young people something to look forward to and focus on at such a difficult time.”