Book now for Shropshire HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) Easter programme
Following a successful two years, the Shropshire HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme is continuing in 2023, offering more opportunities for eligible children and young people to access free holiday activities during the three main school holidays.
The existing HAF clubs, which have been running across the county during the last six months, will be happening again, and the programme has been extended to include new areas of the county.
Alongside the established HAF holiday clubs, Shropshire Council has provided grant funding to six new clubs in Claverley, Much Wenlock, Cleobury Mortimer, Bishop’s Castle, Morda and Whitchurch. These areas currently have limited or no HAF provision and high numbers of eligible children and young people.
Bookings for the Easter/ spring holidays open today (Monday 6 March 2023). Eligible families will receive information about how to book onto the programme from their school this week.
HAF programme in Spring 2023
There are free places available on the programme for children and young people aged 4 (reception class age) to 16, who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals and for those who have been referred onto HAF by a professional.
Places are also available for Ukrainian families, currently staying in Shropshire with host families. Some of the holiday programmes also include spaces for children and young people who are not in receipt of free school meals.
From Monday 3 April to Friday 14 April 2023, children and young people are invited to take part in a range of fun activities, happening at 45 venues from across the county.
The clubs offer a range of activities such as sports, arts, cooking, forest schools, den building and dance. There is something on offer for everyone. Free nutritious meals are provided at each session, as well as information on nutrition to benefit the whole family.
Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education, said:-
“I’d like to thank our partners, funders, and everyone who has delivered activity as part of the HAF programme. It’s a fantastic programme, that wouldn’t be possible without the support of so many people.
“There are currently 6,965 children and young people in Shropshire who are eligible for free school meals, a figure that is continually increasing. These children and young people can access these excellent HAF holiday clubs for free. Watch the latest promotional film to see what’s on offer at Easter, there really is something for everyone.
“I encourage all eligible Shropshire families to book onto programmes as soon as possible.”
For more information on HAF in Shropshire, for a copy of the What’s On Guide and to sign up to the HAF enews, click here.
To contact the HAF programme co-ordinators: haf.programme@shropshire.gov.uk
