‘Holiday Activities and Food’ funded school holiday clubs return to Northamptonshire this winter

‘Holiday Activities and Food’ funded school holiday clubs return to Northamptonshire this winter
During the 2021 school summer holidays, 18,900 places were booked by children and young people on to a programme of funded free holiday clubs in Northamptonshire. The government’s 'Holiday Activities and Food' (HAF) programme, known as ‘HAF Northants’ locally launched this week for the Christmas school holiday period.
Public Health Northamptonshire and North and West Northamptonshire Councils have commissioned local charity Northamptonshire Sport to deliver the programme, continuing their work during the summer. The winter programme offers 11,000 places at 70 activity clubs across the county, plus virtual/online activities.
The HAF programme is available to eligible children across every local authority in England and aims to relieve the pressure some families experience during school holidays. In particular, increased costs to cover childcare and food during holidays can cause stress. Research also shows at holiday times, children from disadvantaged families are more likely to experience social isolation and 'unhealthy holidays' in relation to nutrition and exercise.
HAF Northants responds to the issues faced by some families by providing a programme of consistent and easily accessible enriching activities, providing nourishing food and involving children and parents in food preparation. The holiday clubs are free of charge for young people who qualify for free school meals and those considered to be vulnerable.

For more information on the HAF scheme in Northamptonshire please email: haf@northamptonshiresport.org or visit www.holidayactivities.org.