Lancaster City Council is urging parents of children who receive free school meals to book places on its Happy Healthy Holidays programme this summer. Funded by the Department for Education as part of the national Holiday Activities and Food Programme, the scheme offers free arts, sports, baking, and nature activities alongside a daily nutritious meal from July through September.
Councillor Mandy Bannon, Cabinet member for communities, well-being and partnerships, said the school holidays can bring added pressure for low-income families and encouraged eligible households to act quickly because places are limited. HAF vouchers containing unique 16-digit codes were sent by email or text on 22 June, and parents must use these codes to book through the HolidayActivities website.
Activities run for the duration of the summer break and cover everything from dance and football to pottery and sensory play. Fifteen local providers are delivering sessions across the district, including Lancaster Boys & Girls Club, Morecambe FC Community Foundation, Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, and The SEND Den. Provision for children with special educational needs or additional needs is included at no extra cost.
To be eligible, children must be aged between 4 and 16 and receiving benefits-related free school meals. Families who did not receive their voucher can email [email protected], and further details are listed at lancaster.gov.uk/holidayactivities.
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