New provider sought for Holiday Activities and Food scheme in Harlescott Grange in Shrewsbury

Shropshire Council is inviting organisations to apply for funding to deliver the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme at Harlescott Grange Community Hub in Shrewsbury during the Easter and winter holidays 2024.

The council is working with the centre’s trustees to find a new provider at the hub.

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

“We are thrilled to be working in partnership with the trustees at Harlescott Grange Community Hub to continue to run a holiday club there. We’d like to thank them for managing the HAF holiday club so far. A huge number of children and young people and their families from the local community have benefitted.

“We welcome applications from organisations interested in running this programme and continuing the work of the hub trustees.”

Funded by the Department for Education, Shropshire HAF offers enriching activities and nutritious meals to children and young people, aged 4 to 16, who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Alongside the HAF programme at Harlescott Grange, Shropshire Council continues to work in partnership with a core group of over 20 local organisations to run the successful programme.

Holiday Activities and Food

There are currently 7,373 children and young people in the county eligible for free school meals. Shropshire Council aims to reach as many of these children and young people in the county as possible, whilst also ensuring holiday programmes are easily accessible, safe and welcoming.

The deadline for applications for the Harlescott Grange Community Hub to be submitted is Monday 5 February 2024 at midday.

The spring / Easter HAF programme for Shropshire will be launched on Monday 4 March.

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