Free Christmas Activities and Food in East Suffolk

Tuesday, 17 December 2024 20:00

Filmmaking, theatre, sports and creative workshops are just some of the free activities on offer during the school holidays across East Suffolk this Christmas.

Numerous organisations across the district are providing fun and enriching activities and food as part of a programme of experiences for children and young people over the Christmas holidays. Starting from Saturday 21st December and running until Saturday 4th January, there are 19 programmes on offer with over 880 places available to book.

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme has been funded by the UK Government for three years, providing over £200m per year for activities for children and young people, particularly those in receipt of free school meals. The HAF programme is overseen by Suffolk County Council and coordinated locally by East Suffolk Council.

Holiday activities are varied and can introduce young people to new experiences and skills, from filmmaking to drama and teamwork to problem solving, as well providing opportunities for physical and social activity. Each funded holiday activity also offers a free meal.

In Suffolk, the programme is targeted at those eligible for benefits-related free school meals, and other vulnerable children, or those with additional needs who would benefit from accessing the programme.

Places are redeemed by eligible families through the booking system Eequ. Families can select the programmes and dates they wish to attend, and which young people will be attending. The booking system will ask about HAF eligibility, and the booking will be reviewed and approved by the HAF team at Suffolk County Council.

Book a place now at https://eastsuffolk.co/haf

For any queries, please contact HAF@eastsuffolk.gov.uk

Cllr Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk Council's cabinet member for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism said: “Holiday activity programmes enable children and young people to stay active over the school holidays, to meet new people and learn new skills, all of which benefits their physical and mental health. The activities also provide support for families who may be struggling with the costs of food and energy during the school holidays."