East Suffolk Council
Free meals and holiday activities this Easter
Cooking, theatre, sport, film-making and outdoor adventure are just some of the free activities on offer during the school holidays across East Suffolk this Easter.
Numerous organisations across the district are providing fun activities and food as part of a programme of experiences for children and young people over the coming weeks. There are 38 programmes on offer with over 3,600 places available to be booked.
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is funded by the Government, which provides over £200million per year for a three-year programme of enriching activities for children and young people, particularly those in receipt of free school meals. The HAF programme is coordinated by Suffolk County Council and delivered locally by East Suffolk Council.
Holiday activities are varied and can introduce young people to new experiences and skills, from dance and drama to cooking and film making, as well providing opportunities for physical and social activity.
In Suffolk, the programme is targeted at those eligible for benefits-related free school meals, and other vulnerable children, or those with additional needs who would benefit from accessing the programme.
Cllr Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk Council's cabinet member for Communities, Leisure and Tourism said: “Holiday activity programmes are a great way for young people to try a range of fun activities in a safe environment, to learn new skills and meet new friends. As well as helping children and young people with their physical and mental wellbeing, the holiday activities help families who may be struggling with the costs of food, energy and fuel and who may find the school holidays more challenging.”
Each funded holiday activity also offers a free meal and places are redeemed by eligible families through the booking system Eequ. Families can select the programmes and dates they wish to attend, and which young people will be attending. The booking system will ask about HAF eligibility, and the booking will be reviewed and approved by the HAF Team at Suffolk County Council.
Providers include Abbeycroft, Catch 22, Community Action Suffolk, Everyone Active, Inspire, Marina Theatre, Next Thing Education, Norfolk Hoop Stars, Premier Education, Re-Utilise, Waveney Gymnastics Club, Asset Education, Ipswich Town Foundation, Reflex Theatre Ltd, The Offshoot Foundation, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, Football Fun Factory, Kicks and Tricks Ltd, The Art Station and Xtra Time.
Our Customer Services team is available to support anyone needing help completing the online booking form. The team can be called on 03330 162000.