East Suffolk Council
Free holiday activities and food available this Easter
Theatre, sport and filmmaking are just some of the free activities on offer during the school holidays this Easter as part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme – and bookings are now open!
Numerous organisations across the district will be providing fun and enriching activities and food for children and young people over the Easter holidays. Running from Monday 7 April to Sunday 20 April, there are over 35 programmes on offer with over 4,000 places available to book.
The HAF programme has been funded by the UK Government for an additional year following four years of delivery. The programme provides activities for children and young people, particularly those in receipt of free school meals and is overseen by Suffolk County Council and coordinated locally by East Suffolk Council.
Holiday activities are varied and can introduce young people to new experiences and skills, such as teamwork and problem solving, as well as providing opportunities for physical and social activity. Each funded holiday activity also offers a free meal.
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, Culture, Leisure and Tourism said: “Holiday activity programmes enable young people to get involved in a wide range of different activities to help keep them active over the school holidays, benefitting both their physical and mental health, building confidence and helping them to learn new skills. The activities also provide support for families who may be struggling with the costs of food and energy, which can be exacerbated during the school holidays."
Places are redeemed by eligible families through the online booking system Eequ, which has replaced the old system of HAF codes that were issued to schools.
Booking is simple:
- Families can select the programmes and dates they wish to attend.
- Once you have selected a programme, Eequ will ask about HAF eligibility, such as being in receipt of benefit-related free school meals.
- The booking will be reviewed and approved by the HAF team at Suffolk County Council and by the provider.
- You will then receive reminders from the provider of the activity about your chosen activities.
For any queries, please contact HAF@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.