Bookings can now be made by families in East Suffolk for a free summer holiday activities programme.
Funded by the UK Government, delivered by Suffolk County Council and coordinated locally by East Suffolk Council, the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme provides fun and enriching activities and food for children who receive benefit-related free school meals or have support needs.
Running from Monday 20 July to Tuesday 1 September, there are over 50 programmes on offer with nearly 10,000 activity places to book from theatre, footballs, arts and crafts and water sports on offer for children aged 5 to 16.
Activities are designed to introduce children to new experiences and skills, such as teamwork and problem solving, while promoting physical and social activity, with each activity including a free meal along with nutritional education to encourage children to make healthy food choices.
Cllr Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk Council's cabinet member for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism said:
“As we approach the summer holidays, we’re inviting families to take advantage of the support provided through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. With a wide range of activities to choose from, children can enjoy fun sessions while families who need it most benefit from free meals and childcare. With bookings now open, we’re encouraging eligible families to explore the programme early and make the most of the valuable support available this summer.”
Bookings for the programme can be made online on the Eequ website, which replaces the previous HAF codes issued by schools.
How to book:
• Families can select the programmes and dates they wish to attend online.
• Once a programme is selected, Eequ will ask about HAF eligibility, such as being in receipt of benefit-related free school meals.
• The booking request will be reviewed and approved by the HAF team at Suffolk County Council and by the provider.
• Once the booking has been confirmed families will receive reminders from the provider of the activity.
To support families with the Eequ booking process, HAF drop-in sessions are being held at the East Suffolk Community Help Hub in Lowestoft on Tuesdays 7, 14, 21 and 28 July.
Families can check their eligibility for free school meals online. For further information and support, email: HAF@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
HAF is part of the Best Start in Life initiative from the UK Government which also provides support and guidance for families including health, childcare funding and development from pregnancy through to early years.