What is EHAS?
In 1972 Sevenoaks Social Services department asked the Edenbridge Council if a holiday playscheme could be started in the area. A serious problem of integration had arisen because the GLC had created two ‘overspill’ estates in Edenbridge, housing mainly young families from overcrowded areas in London.
Camps, Holidays, Outings and Playscheme, Edenbridge Holidays Activities Scheme (EHAS) provides all year round after school and holiday entertainment for the children who need it most
The local charity that educates young people towards contributing to their local community
The EHAS Summer playscheme has been running every year since then, and provides two weeks of entertainment and play for up to 150 children.
From this initiative, Edenbridge Holiday Activities Scheme (EHAS) has provided community support; encompassing respite weekends for both children and parents, camping holidays, sailing trips, days out and training for young people from diverse backgrounds. In 2011 EHAS ran a two week Easter Playscheme for the first time. As a result of its success EHAS are hoping that the Easter Playscheme will become an annual event in the EHAS calendar.
The continuing success of EHAS depends on the generous support of many different donors, individuals, charitable trusts, and local providers many of whom have given unstinting support for many years, and for which EHAS is immensely grateful.
The outstanding contribution made by the helpers and volunteers who have grown up through the scheme cannot be overemphasised. There is very much a family feel running through the Playscheme and the holiday activities with many of those who were children in the 1970′s and 1980′s returning as playworkers, helpers and volunteers. They enable their children, and in some cases now their grand-children to enjoy and benefit from all the activities which EHAS provide. Above all their good fellowship to children in need of friends and a sense of direction is of incalculable value. The young people gain confidence and a sense of their own worth, and a willingness to work for others in the community.