A Saturday to Look Forward To

Bringing joy, connection, sport and celebration into hotel living.

In January 2024, InUnity was given the opportunity to expand our work with families living in temporary accommodation. From that, Social Saturday was born, funded by Deutsche Bank, a monthly event held at different hotels, giving children and families something special to look forward to.

Each month, with support from Sport England, The Cole Trust, and Grimmit Trust, we bring Social Saturday to a new location, making sure as many families as possible can take part. The aim is simple. We want to create a relaxed, fun, and safe environment that feels different from daily life in a hotel, something uplifting and memorable for the young people.

A Chance to Celebrate

Social Saturday is more than just a fun day. For many young people, it is the first time they experience something like a birthday party. These shared moments are an important part of growing up, yet many children in temporary accommodation miss out. Social Saturday gives them the chance to celebrate, laugh, and just be themselves.

Activities That Bring People Together

Activities are designed to be inclusive and engaging. Group games help young people connect with others they might not normally meet, while arts and crafts provide space to relax and express themselves creatively.

Some sessions take place inside hotels, while others are held outside in response to family feedback. For example, at Birmingham Settlement, families enjoyed a walk through Edgbaston Reservoir to the Settlement’s Nature and Wellbeing Centre. There, they joined in healthy cooking and meal preparation sessions with Bangers and Mashup CIC, samba drumming workshops, crafts, and sports. We have also taken families swimming at a local leisure centre, giving them a chance to be active in a fun and safe environment.

Food, Culture & Connection

Food plays an important role in Social Saturday. Sometimes meals are served, and we have also run cooking sessions, giving families the chance to prepare food together. Sharing food helps families connect and enjoy a sense of community.

Movement That Matters

Physical activity is another key part of Social Saturday. From boxing and dodgeball to samba drumming and swimming, movement gives children space to be active, something they often miss out on in hotel environments. Many children have shared how cramped they feel in their rooms, so being able to move freely, whether indoors, outdoors, or at a leisure centre, makes a real difference both physically and mentally.

We will be continuing Social Saturday until April next year, visiting more hotels, outdoor spaces, and local leisure centres, reaching more families. At InUnity, we believe every child deserves a chance to feel joy, be celebrated, and connect with others, no matter where they are living.