Early Bird Explorers Breakfast Club
Cornwall Museum recognised that local families facing financial hardship often couldn’t visit the museum, and evidence from Truro foodbank highlighted that financial pressure peaks when free school meals and breakfast clubs stop during school holidays. The museum launched the Early Bird Explorers Breakfast Club, offering free breakfast, unlimited museum access and activities for families over school breaks.
The museum also shares simple, child-friendly meal ideas to help families stretch tight budgets creatively. The museum found a natural partner with Healthy Cornwall, and this ensures support now goes further – an NHS advisor attends each session to offer friendly, non-judgmental guidance, leaflets, foodbank vouchers and referrals.
Families can explore and play in the museum before opening hours, free from crowds and stress, making it a welcoming, safe space. Staff set set up “invitations to play”, crafts and storytelling, supporting parents in learning with and entertaining their children while modelling positive, language-rich interactions.
Many families who attend never saw museums as “for them”, which the museum sought to change with this programme. Each attendee leaves with a free annual pass, ensuring they can return at any time, and participants reported that they feel less isolated and more confident visiting the museum at other times with the support of the pass.
Since launching, the programme has welcomed over 200 people from more than 50 families, many of whom now visit regularly. The museum has become a trusted “third place”, offering support, connection and a sense of belonging for families facing financial challenges.
Formal feedback gathered through conversations and comment cards shows families value the relaxed, welcoming environment, the free breakfast, and the chance to play, learn and talk without stigma. The work on this project aims to make the museum truly accessible, inclusive and supportive of all families, offering an important community resource where they feel welcome and valued.
Early Bird Explorers Breakfast Club was shortlisted for the Best Museums Change Lives Project award at the Museums Change Lives Awards 2025.