Lancaster City Council is inviting parents of children and young people receiving free school meals to sign up for its Summer Holiday Activities and Food Programme.
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 clubs, playscheme providers and other organisations to pull together an exciting variety of options for young people aged 4 to 16 to choose from.
Activities on offer include, arts and crafts, baking, dance, football and sports, nature trails, pottery, sensory play, and much more.
The free activities, which run for the duration of the summer holidays, also include a nutritious meal each day.
Councillor Mandy Bannon, Cabinet member with responsibility for communities, well-being and partnerships, said: “The summer holidays should be a time for fun, friendship and making memories, but we know they can also bring added pressure for families on low incomes.
“That’s why our Happy Healthy Holidays programme is so important. It offers children the chance to take part in exciting activities, enjoy healthy meals, and stay active in a safe, supportive environment.
“I encourage all eligible families to take advantage of this fantastic support and to book now to avoid disappointment as places fill up fast.”
The programme includes specific provision for children with SEND or additional needs, at no cost.
HAF vouchers for the summer holiday period were sent to eligible families by email or text on Monday, 22 June 2026. Parents and carers should contact the activity providers direct for more information and make bookings via the link in the email or text.
For more information about the scheme and to view a list of providers, visit www.lancaster.gov.uk/holidayactivities
Crunch meeting called to vote on future of Morecambe sports and social club
PHOTOS: New images reveal plan for major renovations at Morecambe's iconic Midland Hotel
Stunning new drone images show 100 'Eric Morecambes' on beach to celebrate centenary
Rescue team's warning after motorist cut off by rising tide
Trapped person freed from vehicle after crash in Heysham
Firefighters tackle house fire in Lancaster
Firefighters called to wildfire in Lancaster
UPDATED: Police put 48 hour dispersal order in place after report of stabbing and arrests in Lancaster
Eden Project Morecambe Hub set to open as start of work on site draws closer
Morecambe BID gets overwhelming backing to continue for another five years
Forces veteran launches campaign to stop demolition of former Morecambe bus shelter
LISTEN: "A thriving Winter Gardens benefits Morecambe"
New mural unveiled to brighten up crime hot-spot in Lancaster city centre
New upgrades unveiled at cherished Lancaster woodland
Silverdale holiday park celebrates Cumbria Tourism award success
'Exceptional' Ofsted report for Lancaster school-based teacher trainers
Morecambe lifeboat crew called out to people watching eclipse
PHOTOS: Once in a generation solar eclipse delights people across Lancaster and Morecambe Bay
Government housing inspectors tell Lancaster City Council that improvement is needed
