The Department for Education funded Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF) provides eligible children with the opportunity to take part in enriching activities and enjoy a hot meal as well as receiving nutritional education and wider health and wellbeing support.
The HAF programme creates the opportunity to keep many vulnerable children engaged in positive activities and in the view of professionals while schools take a well-earned break.
Please follow the link to the Family Information and Services Hub (FISH) where you can search for schemes in your local area. If you have booked a place with HAF scheme please ensure your child attends. Non-attendance prevents others from benefiting and wastes a healthy and nutritious meal.
HAF eligibility includes:
school aged children in Year R and above who are in receipt of benefits related free school meals;
recently arrived Ukrainian and Afghan refugees.
In addition to the main criteria above, providers have the ability to offer up to 15% of their capacity to a wider group of vulnerable children which may include:
children with SEND or an EHCP plan;
children in contact with Early Help or Social Services.
What other support is available for families this summer?
As well as the HAF programme, support is also available to help families with their energy, food and water bills. Below is a list of support and links to more information:
Community Pantries - pantries are open to everyone and work on a membership basis. For a small weekly contribution, members can select food to a significantly higher value.
Support with utility costs from Citizens Advice.
Emergency Housing Support – support is available from district or borough councils.
Also coming up - Households in receipt of council tax benefit will be able to claim one food voucher worth £30 from their district or borough council. Once confirmed, details will be available here.
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