Get set for summer holiday fun, food and activities!

Our summer Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is ready, set, go! for four weeks of free summer activities and food for children receiving benefits-linked free school meals.

Providers throughout the borough have organised a range of activities during the summer holidays for both primary and secondary school aged children aged 4 to 16, which includes provision for children with additional needs.

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is funded by the government and delivered by local councils working with local organisations to provide healthy food and fun activities to children and young people. 

Sessions include a variety of fun activities, including sports, music, arts and other exciting opportunities to learn and develop skills, alongside a nutritious meal each day, at various locations around the borough.

Councillor Marian James, Chair of People Committee said: “Making sure that no child goes hungry, or is disadvantaged during the school holidays is a huge priority for us as a Council, and I am pleased that we are offering this brilliant programme of activities for our most vulnerable children in the borough. We supported over 900 children and young people  during our Easter HAF programme, all taking part in activities, learning new skills and making new friends. This is a fantastic achievement and I want to thank all our providers who worked extremely hard to make this happen.  

“With rising fuel and food costs, things are becoming increasingly tough for households, and I know many families will be worried about how they will be able to feed their children properly over the holidays. I hope that by offering this package of support, we are able to take some of the pressure off parents and carers this summer.”

For information on how you and your family can get involved this summer, please visit www.sutton.gov.uk/HAF

In addition, families who are eligible for Universal Credit may be able to claim back up to 85% of their childcare costs. Please visit Help With Childcare Costs (gov.uk) to find out more. 

Other activities this summer

There are lots of summer activities for children and young people who aren’t in receipt of benefits-linked free school meals, from our Summer Reading Club (details coming soon!), to free activities at leisure centres and public buildings, to free webinars, concerts and art online.

The Sutton Family Information Service also has lots of information about what else is available - please visit bit.ly/3OwfpFi