Children will have access to both nutritious meals and a wide range of rewarding activities this summer, as Bolton Council continues to support families during the school holidays.
Earlier this year, the council confirmed £1,487,820 from the government’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme would be used over the Easter, Summer and Christmas breaks.
Under the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, children receiving free school meals are offered healthy food alongside a wide range of fun and engaging activities.
This summer, most sessions will run for four hours a day, four days a week for four weeks from July 26 to August 28.
School holidays can be a challenging time for families who may struggle with the extra cost of food and childcare.
The council has worked closely with the charity and volunteer sector to establish a network of free holiday clubs across all parts of the borough offering physical activities, the chance to learn new skills and learn about nutrition.
Activities are entirely optional, and all eligible families can still receive free lunches from one of Urban Outreach’s BL Lunches pick up points whether or not they choose to take part.
Sessions are open to everyone with priority given to those children on free school meals, but some additional extras are being offered to just children receiving free school meals, including a free four-week leisure pass in August for 11 to 16-year-olds.
We are delighted to offer the opportunity for children to make new friends, get active and learn new skills this summer.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Anne Galloway, said:
“After what has been a very challenging 18 months for all children, we are delighted to offer the opportunity for them to make new friends, get active and learn new skills this summer.
“We want every child in Bolton to get the best possible start in life and giving families access to healthy food and nutritional information is a vital part of that.
“I want to thank our many partners in the community and volunteer sector who continue to support our Holiday Activity and Food programme.”
For more information, visit the HAF page of the council website.