Holiday Activity and Food Programme is back - free summer fun for children and young people
Cotswold District Council in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council and community organisation World Jungle, is delivering another Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF) for eligible children across the Cotswold district this Summer.
Using funding from the Department for Education, children will have access to free activities during the Summer holidays next month (1 August - 26 August). As part of the programme, free food hampers are also being provided for children who are eligible for free school meals.
Cllr Jenny Forde, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “We’re so pleased to once again be able to deliver the Holiday Activity and Food Programme for children across the summer holidays. The programme helps young people stay active during the holidays, as well as creating the opportunity for them to make new friends and try their hand at a new activity. Healthy, nutritious food is also provided during each session, so we can be sure no one goes hungry this summer.”
The programme will run between 1st and 25th August during the Summer school holiday with funding from the Department of Education. There are strict guidelines on eligibility, and it’s only accessible for those in reception up to year 11, who receive benefits-related free school meals.
Cllr Forde continued: “As a Council, and as a parent myself, we understand how challenging the school holidays can be for working families, especially as the cost of living continues to rise. We want our families to feel supported and make sure our children can continue to feel happy and safe when schools are closed. Last year, during the Summer and Winter holidays, over 1,600 event slots were booked and we provided nearly 860 free food boxes to eligible families.”
Cotswold District Council will also be offering the Holiday Activity Programme (HAP). This programme of holiday activities is offered to all children between the ages of 5 and 16 across the District, regardless of free school meal eligibility.
Cllr Forde explained: “Like with the previous HAF programmes, we’ve worked hard to secure additional funding so we can offer holiday activities to all children across the district whether or not they’re in receipt of free school meals. This means no one has to miss out this summer.
“By opening up the booking to all families, we can make sure all our children can have fun and have stuff to do during the summer holidays. With such a variety of activities and events going on, there is something for everyone.”
The summer programme of activities and events is set to allow young people to socialise with others of a similar age as they play, learn and develop their skills. The programme boasts a wide variety of activities to participate in such as circus skills, baking, sports, forest school, summer camps and more.
Director of World Jungle, Ben Ward, said: “We are really excited to be working with the District Council and Gloucestershire County Council on this fantastic programme. We know it can be a real challenge keeping the children entertained during the long holiday period. As we're working with a range of great providers and attractions, there are going to be a tremendous amount of activities to choose from right across the Cotswolds for all ages.”
The activity bookings are now open. If you’d like to book your family onto an activity or event or you would like more information, please visit: https://www.haf.worldjungle.org.uk/