Kids and teens eligible for free school meals were able to access a range of holiday clubs and camps across Somerset over the winter holidays, thanks to the Happy Healthy Holidays programme.
The programme is delivered by Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership with funding from Somerset County Council, and offers school-aged children and teenagers eligible for free school meals the opportunity to attend free activities during the school holidays, which include healthy food and education about healthy eating.
In the cost of living crisis, Happy Healthy Holidays is providing vital support to low income families by offering a warm space for children and teenagers to make friends, be physically active and eat a nutritious hot meal for free.
The 2022 winter programme was a great success, with over 3500 places attended over 4 days.
One parent said: “Fantastic staff who went above and beyond, the activities themselves were exciting experiences that my child hasn’t tried before and going on a day trip was a huge treat. He made some great friends and came home very happy and excited for the next day.”
Another parent said: “Incredible! My children absolutely loved their time at the Tech club and are both asking to return. Both of them came out happy and looking forward to the next day.”
Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset County Council, said: “We’re very pleased that so many young people benefitted again from this programme. The cost of living crisis is hitting many families hard and Christmas had the potential to be an especially testing time for them. The children that took part in these activities came away very happy, with the sessions proving to be both fun and educational. A huge thank you goes to the organisations who were able to provide activities – we hope that Easter will see the same success.”
The next Happy Healthy Holidays provision will run over the Easter holidays. More information will be added closer to the time on the Happy Healthy Holidays website.
Could you offer activities for the Easter 2023 Happy Healthy Holidays programme?
Are you part of an organisation which could offer fun, enriching activities to children including a healthy meal over the Easter holidays?
SASP is looking for new activity providers to join the Happy Healthy Holidays programme. Applications for funding are open from Monday 16th January to 1st February – visit the Holiday Activity Fund website for eligibility criteria and how to apply.
For enquiries, please contact Kevin Lang at [email protected].
