Organisations sought to run children’s holiday activities

Local activity providers being sought to host free activities for school-age children, with funding available to sponsor sessions.  

The Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food programme is being rolled out across England with providers being invited to apply for funding to host activities for disadvantaged children.

North East Lincolnshire Council are managing the programme and are inviting local organisations and community champions to bid for funding to host activities.

The programme is aimed at reducing social isolation, improving access to out-of-school activities for vulnerable children, and tackling so-called ‘unhealthy holidays’ by improving children’s physical health and nutrition during the school break.

Activities will be aimed at school-age children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

Each activity must offer fun and enriching activities that offer children the chance to learn and develop. Activity providers should also offer food as part of the programme.

Councillor Ian Lindley, portfolio holder for children, education and skills at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “COVID-19 has undoubtedly had an impact on the education and wellbeing of children and young people, and it’s vital that we take this opportunity to tackle some of that.

“This programme is an opportunity for our most vulnerable children to access fun and engaging activities and good, healthy food during the break from school.

“Parents have had it tough during the last year too and one of the benefits of this programme is that some of the pressure around keeping kids entertained during the break is lifted.

“I’m inviting our wonderful organisations and local volunteers to come forward and bid to host activities for our young people. Let’s really make these holidays special.”

Information for providers on how to apply can be found at www.nelincs.gov.uk/funding-for-haf-programmes.

Alternatively you can contact HAF Coordinator, Wendy Jackson, via email on wendy.jackson@nelincs.gov.uk.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 11th June 2021.