Your Holiday Hub returns this winter offering free activities and food

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF)

Is your child aged 4-16 and eligible for free school meals (FSM)?

If so, check out the free, YHH activities happening in your area.

https://www.yourholidayhubbristol.co.uk/

06 December 2022 at 15:39

Children and young people who are eligible for free school meals will once again be able to access free holiday activities and nutritious meals this winter break.

With over 180 activities to choose from this holiday, including festive arts and crafts, cooking workshops and even Ninja Warrior, eligible families are encouraged to find out what’s on this winter through the Your Holiday Hub website. Children and young people aged four to 16 who are eligible, and in-receipt of free school meals can access Your Holiday Hub for free.

Eligible families will also receive free school meal vouchers for the full winter holiday, which will be distributed by schools.

Councillor Asher Craig, Cabinet Lead for Children’s Services, Education and Equalities, said: “The winter holidays can be a very challenging time for families. This year is especially difficult as many families across Bristol grapple with the rising cost of living. The Your Holiday Hub programme is a fantastic initiative helping to support low-income families during the school holidays.

“We have been working closely with partners and holiday providers across the city to deliver a programme which we hope will inspire and motivate our children and young people to try something new, make new friends and help relieve some household pressure this winter holiday.”

Funded by the UK Government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, over 3,700 Bristol children and young people benefitted from the programme over the summer holiday.

Alistair Dale, CEO of Youth Moves, a South Bristol-based youth charity, said: “Youth Moves operates throughout South Bristol specifically in the communities of greatest need. We want to bridge that gap between these areas and the rest of the city starting with our young people. This winter holiday we are offering a range of free activities, clubs, trips and experiences including learning to cook a Christmas meal and sharing it with friends, ice skating and providing opportunities that others may take for granted.

“Youth Moves exists to provide young people with a safe place to go during the school holidays and throughout the year. In recent months we have seen, more and more, a need to offer food as part of our sessions as the cost of living crisis bites in the communities where we work. Young people can help develop and shape our programmes, discuss issues and get advice and support from our trained youth workers or just chill with friends.”

Food is central to the programme, as with each activity children and young people will also receive a hot meal and learn about food and healthy living. 1,960 activity packs and food parcels will be delivered to 45 organisations across Bristol this winter.

Ped Asgarian, Director of Feeding Bristol said: “The Your Holiday Hub programme is supporting, empowering and enabling organisations to make a positive impact on the lives of children and families experiencing food insecurity this Christmas, and beyond. With the number of children in Bristol receiving free school meals increasing every year, it’s important that we continue to ensure we are able to offer free nutritious meals over the school holiday.

“This winter the delivery of food parcels supported by FareShare SouthWest, family cooking sessions and recipe booklets provided by Feeding Bristol’s The Children’s Kitchen project, and community feasts will hopefully ease some of the pressures of what is a very difficult time of the year for many.

A full list of organisations and activities is available on the Your Holiday Hub website.

Eligible children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or an education, health and care plan are welcome at Your Holiday Hub. Families can contact the organisation or session they would like to attend to discuss their child’s individual needs.