A CLUB offering low-income families nutritious food and fun activities during school holidays has been nominated for a national award.

Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery’s Early Bird Explorers Club has been shortlisted for a Museums Change Lives Award 2025, a national accolade recognising museums that are strengthening communities across the UK.

Run by the Museums Association, the awards celebrate organisations that champion community work in the fields of creativity, inclusion and wellbeing. The shortlisting places Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery among the most innovative and impactful museums in the country.

The Early Bird Explorers Club is delivered in partnership with Healthy Cornwall, which sits within the Public Health and Wellbeing Service of Cornwall Council and is tasked with inspiring and supporting the local community with living a healthier life.

Designed especially with families on low incomes in mind, the club provides nutritional support and fun activities during school holidays when parents and carers can face extra pressures and financial challenges.

It also offers a safe, welcoming space to connect, and by reducing barriers to cultural experiences helps build confidence, friendships and lasting family memories.

Upcoming sessions will be held from 11am to 12.30pm on October 29 and December 23.

Co-director Bryony Robins said: “We believe museums have a vital role to play in community life. We run a busy programme of activities, from Toddler Time for under-fives to creative sessions supporting people managing pain or at risk of isolation, as well as a dementia group and young people’s programmes.

“We want the museum to be a welcoming space for all, and our team is passionate about creating a programme that makes a real difference for the people of Cornwall.’’

Award winners will be announced on Tuesday, October 7 at St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff, during the Museums Association annual conference.