Darlington Borough Council is thrilled to announce an exciting Easter Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme.
HAF, funded by the Department for Education (DfE), provides free activities and nutritious meals for all eligible young people aged 5 to 16 years in Darlington and will help to reduce the impact of poverty on children, supporting the council’s ambition in the council plan to reduce inequalities.
All children eligible for benefits-related free school meals can participate in the sessions every weekday during the Easter Holidays, from Tuesday 7 April to Friday 17 April. Over 70 events are arranged throughout the school Easter holiday, offering more than 2,500 places.
The activities, taking place at various locations across the town, include sports, arts and crafts, cooking, gaming and much more, with a nutritious meal provided for every participant at each event.
Families with eligible children will receive information from their child’s school regarding the available sessions and how to access the booking system.
A range of activity sessions is available for children and families with additional needs.
If you have a child who receives benefit-related school meals and they have not received a letter from your child’s school regarding the free HAF Easter holiday session, contact your school directly.
Councillor Nick Wallis, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We are delighted to support families providing free, organised, safe, fun activities for children who receive benefit-related school meals. Activities such as American football, swimming, martial arts, dance, and enrichment activities, including arts and crafts, and life skills sessions, such as cooking and forest school, are great fun and every child who joins in gets a free meal too.
“Every child aged 5-16 years, living in Darlington, who is eligible for benefits-related free school meals can attend – families who qualify will be contacted by your child’s school.
Nick added, “We hope the activities and meals will help support families this Easter and that the children love the opportunity to try new things, discover new interests and meet new friends.”
For more information www.darlington.gov.uk/HAF
email movemore@darlington.gov.uk
or call 01325 405400
