Lancaster City Council is inviting children and young people receiving free school meals to sign up to a summer of fun with its Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF).
Funded by the Department for Education, the local HAF programme known as ‘Happy Healthy Holidays,’ aims to provide free, enriching activities and healthy food for children receiving benefits-related free school meals.
The council has been working with local holiday club and playscheme providers and other organisations to provide an exciting variety of options for young people aged 4 to 16 to choose from.
As well as keeping them active and happy during the holidays, the activities which run until August 31 also include a nutritious meal each day.
Councillor Sandra Thornberry, Cabinet member with responsibility for community health and wellbeing, said: “As life starts to return to normal following the pandemic, it’s more important than ever that children are given as many opportunities as possible to enjoy doing something special and inspiring, especially outdoors, during the school holidays.
“We are pleased to be able to promote ‘Happy Healthy Holidays’ for those that need them the most and hope that the wealth of activities on offer will be of particular benefit to families who are struggling with reduced incomes and the expense of food and childcare.”
The programme includes specific provision available for children with SEND or additional needs, at no cost.
Paid for places are available in some of the clubs for children who are not eligible for benefits-related free school meals.
Parents and carers should contact the activity provider direct for more information and to book. A list of providers can be found at www.lancaster.gov.uk/holidayactivities


Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
Beyond the Beat: Two arrests after assault in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe MP "appalled" as Lancashire set to quit refugee resettlement scheme
Replica RAF helicopter to go on display in Lancaster at three-day show
Life-size knitted mannequin pops up ahead of Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Stars play in celebrity football match in Morecambe in memory of brave teenager
Roses are red! Lancaster University students celebrate fifth straight victory
70 homes in Carnforth evacuated after bomb scare

