The free Cornwall magazine keeping kids busy all summer

The stretch between the end of term and the start of September can feel long when you are the one filling it. Cornwall Council reckons it has a small answer to that, and a few hundred families have already gone looking for it. A free summer magazine called My Brilliant Summer has been viewed or downloaded more than 350 times from the Headstart Kernow website, and there is still a good chunk of holiday left to make use of it.

📷Credit: Cornwall Council

What is inside My Brilliant Summer

The magazine is aimed at children and families, and it is built around the Five Ways to Wellbeing. Inside there are activities, wellbeing tips, local opportunities and a bit of inspiration to help households make the most of the school holiday.

The ideas range from the practical to the playful. There is guidance on how to build a hedgehog house and a birdfeeder, and a special kindness challenge to take part in. It was put together by Cornwall Council’s Headstart Kernow team, which works to improve young people’s social, emotional and mental wellbeing.

“It can sometimes be tricky keeping children entertained over the school holidays so having all these ideas and activities in one place is a real lifesaver,” said Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families.

“My Brilliant Summer brings together lots of simple suggestions to help families spend time together, get active and try something new.”

The Five Ways to Wellbeing

The Five Ways to Wellbeing are simple ways to feel better about yourself and the world around you. The magazine is shaped around all five.

• Connect (spend time with family, friends and pets)
• Get moving (because it makes you feel good)
• Find time for you (play and have fun)
• Stop and take notice (look and listen to the world around you)
• Give (because being kind makes you feel happy)

How to get a copy

The magazine is free and available to everyone on the Headstart Kernow website. Physical copies are available exclusively from Cornwall Libraries and Family Hubs, or you can scan the QR code to open it online.

There is a companion download too. Alongside the magazine you can pick up the Brilliant Me journal, which is also packed with activities focused on wellbeing.

“There’s still plenty of holiday time left so if you haven’t checked it out yet why not get a copy online or from your local library or family hub?” said Hilary.