Council calls on businesses to support children with Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) scheme this summer

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme allows children in receipt of income-based free school meals a range of engaging clubs, activities and healthy meals during the school holidays. These periods are often challenging for families, especially those on low incomes and the programme bridges the holiday experience gap to allow all children to have an active, fun and fulfilling break.

The Department for Education funded programme is looking for any businesses in Stockport able to support the scheme to get in touch. Funding is available for providers, and gives businesses the opportunity to work towards corporate social responsibility commitments – as well as teach Stockport’s children some invaluable skills.

Last summer, more than 2,500 children took part in sessions throughout the summer holidays .A whole host of activities were provided, including learning about cooking and nutrition, sports competitions as well as arts and crafts workshops.

HAF programme activities can include anything from art to sport, dance or music: so long as it’s suitable for children and encourages them to have fun and try out new experiences.

Stockport Council is also keen to hear from food networks that can help provide children with a nutritious meal through these holiday clubs.

Cllr Wendy Meikle, Cabinet Member for Children and Families and Deputy Leader at Stockport Council, said: “The HAF programme has been extremely successful in the past, providing a wide range of activities across our borough for children in families who may need a little extra support of the school holidays. We would like to once again encourage any business or individual to help provide fantastic experiences for children and young people who may not usually have the opportunity to access holiday clubs. Your support really is invaluable to our children and young people in Stockport.”

Businesses interested in learning more about how they can get involved with the HAF programme should contact Stockport Council for further information and to be put in touch with one of the borough’s holiday club providers.