01/02/2023 - Permalink

Shropshire Holiday Activities and Food scheme extended for 2023

Related topics: Children's services / Cost of living / Partner organisations

Eligible children will benefit from three Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programmes in Shropshire during the Easter, summer and winter holidays this year.

The Shropshire HAF programme will continue throughout the county and is looking to expand.

Shropshire Council is inviting organisations to apply for funding to deliver programmes in six places identified as priority areas for new programmes to be established, as they currently have limited or no provision.

They are:

  • Bishop’s Castle (town)
  • Claverley / Worfield (area)
  • Cleobury Mortimer (town)
  • Morda (area)
  • Much Wenlock (town)
  • Whitchurch (town)

There are currently 6,965 children and young people in Shropshire who are eligible for free school meals and the HAF programme, and that figure is continually increasing.

Through the Shropshire HAF programme the council aims to reach as many of these children and young people as possible by offering holiday programmes that are easily accessible, safe and welcoming.

Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education, said:-

“We are delighted to be able to offer the HAF programme to children and young people at the Easter, summer and winter holiday times. Our previous programmes have been hugely successful and very well attended.

“The grant application process is open to providers to develop programmes in the six areas where there is limited or no programme available, but where there is clearly demand.

“The HAF programme provides a fantastic opportunity to unite communities and celebrate the joy of coming together over food, taking part in fun activities, and making friends.”

As well as seeking new providers in the specified areas Shropshire HAF will continue to work in partnership with the core group of 20 providers responsible for the existing programmes.

All potential HAF providers will need to offer a programme of enrichment and physical activities a nutritious meal and food education.

For more information about Shropshire HAF and how to apply for a grant visit Shropshire HAF or contact HAF.programme@shropshire.gov.uk

The deadline for applications for submissions to the new HAF programmes is 9am on Thursday 16 February 2023.