As part of its Best Start in Life mission, the government have announced that funding has been confirmed for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme for the next three years.
Funding has been confirmed for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme for the next three years.
Funded by the Department for Education (DfE), HAF provides eligible children and young people with free access to holiday activity during the three main school holidays.
The programme is aimed primarily at children and young people aged 4 to 16, in receipt of benefits related free school meals (FSM). Children meeting wider eligibility criteria can also access the programme.
Since 2021, Shropshire Council has successfully worked in partnership with organisations from across the county in the private, voluntary, and public sectors to deliver Shropshire HAF.
HAF has huge benefits for participants, including healthier eating and reduced food insecurity; increased physical activity; participation in enrichment activities and linking families to local services.
Cllr Andy Hall, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, said:
“We are delighted to hear this fantastic news, that funding for HAF is continuing. Thousands of children and young people have benefited from Shropshire HAF, taking part in a range of fun activities at holiday clubs across the county.
“HAF continues to be an important, high profile, and much needed programme for our communities in Shropshire.”
For more information on HAF in Shropshire visit https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/holiday-activities-and-food-programme-haf/
Please contact the HAF Programme Co-Ordinators – email: haf.programme@shropshire.gov.uk
