Free activities to help struggling families this summer

10 Jul 2024

Children and young people in West Suffolk who receive benefits related free school meals can now book for free activities throughout the school summer holidays.

And families who are in financial hardship but who wouldn’t otherwise qualify can also apply for activity places.

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme includes film making, multi-sports, football, outdoor cooking, swimming, roller skating, arts and crafts, horse riding, nature walks, environmental projects, forest schools as well as activities for teenagers such as snorkelling, mountain biking and climbing.

It is Government funded and coordinated locally by West Suffolk Council on behalf of Suffolk County Council. 

The HAF summer programme in West Suffolk includes of 4605 places across 297 sessions which are being delivered by 20 partner organisations.

While the Government programme is primarily aimed at children and young people in West Suffolk who receive benefits related free school meals, West Suffolk is allowed to use some of the funding it is allocated, to make places available to other families who are in financial hardship. 

Cllr Donna Higgins, West Suffolk Council’s Cabinet Member for Families and Communities said: “The national HAF programme, funded by the Department for Education and coordinated locally by West Suffolk Council on behalf of Suffolk County Council, was set up to support children who receive benefits related free school meals, through the school holidays when they may well not be able to get a hot meal. Sadly, the cost-of-living crisis has continued to push more families into poverty which is why West Suffolk is making places available to other families in financial hardship.

“But it doesn’t solve poverty. As a country we need to do all that we can to get to grips with the causes of poverty and inequality so that everyone has the same chances and opportunities in life.

“In the meantime, we are now taking bookings for the HAF programme. Families who qualify for benefits related free school meals and those in financial hardship should check out the HAF programme for further details.”

Families with children on benefits related free school meals should have already received information through their school about HAF in their area. Those in financial hardship can find out how to apply for a place or places on our holiday events webpage. 

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