Children invited to sign up to happy healthy holidays

Lancaster City Council is inviting children and young people receiving free school meals to sign up to a summer of fun with its Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF).

Funded by the Department for Education, the local HAF programme known as ‘Happy Healthy Holidays,’ aims to provide free, enriching activities and healthy food for children receiving benefits-related free school meals.

The council has been working with local holiday club and playscheme providers and other organisations to provide an exciting variety of options for young people aged 4 to 16 to choose from.

As well as keeping them active and happy during the holidays, the activities which run until August 31 also include a nutritious meal each day.

Councillor Sandra Thornberry, Cabinet member with responsibility for community health and wellbeing, said: “As life starts to return to normal following the pandemic, it’s more important than ever that children are given as many opportunities as possible to enjoy doing something special and inspiring, especially outdoors, during the school holidays.

“We are pleased to be able to promote ‘Happy Healthy Holidays’ for those that need them the most and hope that the wealth of activities on offer will be of particular benefit to families who are struggling with reduced incomes and the expense of food and childcare.”

The programme includes specific provision available for children with SEND or additional needs, at no cost.

Paid for places are available in some of the clubs for children who are not eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

Parents and carers should contact the activity provider direct for more information and to book.  A list of providers can be found at www.lancaster.gov.uk/holidayactivities

Some of the schemes are already full so early booking is advised.

Last updated: 20 July 2021