Grants available for groups providing Easter holiday activities

Groups and organisations that plan to deliver activities to children and young people during the Easter holidays are being invited to apply for a grant from Shropshire Council.

Funding has been made available through the Government’s holiday activities and food programme which has made up to £220 million available to councils to co-ordinate free holiday provision.

The council is hoping to hear from a range of providers offering such activities – and would welcome applications from groups that could combine the council grant with other funding to enhance the offer.

This funding aims to ensure the  provision of free holiday activities for children who receive benefits-related free school meals, but the activities will be available to any children not eligible for free school meals, who can pay to attend.

Ed Potter, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services, said

“The coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly brought additional stress to children and their families, and now more than ever children need access to meaningful and social activities.

“School holidays can be particular pressure points for some families because of increased costs, such as food and childcare, and reduced incomes. For some children that can lead to a holiday experience gap – with children from disadvantaged families less likely to access organised out-of-school activities, more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health, and more likely to experience social isolation.

“Free holiday clubs are a response to this issue, and evidence suggests that they can have a positive impact on children and young people.”

To find out more and apply for a grant click here to visit the Shropshire Council website.

Further information

The delivery of holiday activities at Easter could potentially be impacted by coronavirus. In some cases, face-to-face delivery of holiday clubs may not be possible, and remote delivery of an activity programme may, in some circumstances, be more viable.

Delivery of activity packs along with access to online support would be considered appropriate if children are unable to congregate in holiday clubs due to the pandemic.