Bookings are now open for Walsall Council’s Holiday Activity and Food programme, offering four weeks of free summer sessions and healthy meals for eligible children across the borough. Funded by a £1.7 million grant from the Department for Education, the programme runs from Monday 3 August to Friday 28 August and is delivered through Walsall Council in partnership with more than 75 local providers.
The scheme is for families with children aged 5 to 16 who qualify for benefit-related free school meals. Councillor Lisa Jones, Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Skills, said it has become a lifeline during the long summer break. “Our successful HAF programme has supported thousands of local families over the past few years, and I’m delighted that this summer’s fun is just around the corner. We know how much of a lifeline the programme is for families during the six‑week holiday, and we’re proud to offer activities where children can not only enjoy fantastic experiences, but also receive a healthy lunch at each activity, which takes that extra bit of pressure off our families. HAF wouldn’t be complete without the work of our wonderful providers, who work tirelessly to deliver a brilliant, inclusive programme of activities for young people. Here’s to another great summer of HAF.”
Since launching nationally in 2021, feedback from the Walsall programme shows 87% of children felt more active, 81% felt they learnt something new, and 50% felt they ate food which was good for them. Among parents surveyed, 64% said it had a positive impact on family life, and 47% felt inspired to eat more healthily at home. The council sends unique registration codes to all eligible households before each holiday period, and families only need to sign up once to access sessions across the whole year.
One of the confirmed providers is Bloxwich Community Partnership, which runs holiday clubs at its Electric Palace venue. According to its website, the sessions are designed to promote healthy lifestyles and positive mental wellbeing through fun, educational activities. Places are booked via the council’s portal at haf.walsall.gov.uk, where new users can create an account.
Families needing extra help can contact the Walsall Right 4 Children team by email at [email protected] or by phone on 01922 653899. With dozens of providers operating right through August, the programme aims to reach thousands of children around Bloxwich and beyond.
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