Released: 13 July 2022
The biggest Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme yet has officially launched in West Sussex.
Eligible families can search and sign up for free summer holiday clubs near them to help keep children active over the school break.
West Sussex County Council has again teamed up with over 40 clubs across the county to offer an exciting range of sports, kids camps, swimming, crafts, music, drama and more – all with a nutritious meal provided. Additional HAF places have been added for Ukrainian children who have recently arrived in West Sussex through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
Places are free-of-charge for West Sussex children aged 4 to 16 who receive benefits-related free school meals, subject to availability.
Find out more about HAF and check if your child is eligible on our HAF webpage. Families will need to use the code previously sent to them in the post.
Supermarket food vouchers
The Council has also again provided supermarket food vouchers to all 17,000 children who receive benefits-related free school meals, funded through the Household Support Fund. A £90 voucher is being given to families through their school to provide £15 a week of food per eligible child. Vouchers are being offered separately, irrespective of if a child takes up a HAF place.
Jacquie Russell, Cabinet Member for Children & Young People, said: “This summer will be the biggest Holiday Activities & Food programme to date and with so many clubs and groups on board, we’re confident it will also be the best one yet. Thousands of West Sussex children have taken part since HAF launched last summer so we hope lots of families will again take up the free club places where children can enjoy a summer full of healthy activities and food.
“We are again providing food vouchers for every eligible child, as we have in each school holiday since the start of the pandemic, to further support families at a time when financial pressures are affecting many.”
Community Hub support
The West Sussex Community Hub continues to operate seven days a week, providing food and essentials to people who need support, including those not eligible for free school meals.
The Community Hub can be contacted on 0330 222 7980 and is open 9am to 5pm, seven days a week.
Emotional wellbeing support for young people
The holidays are a great time for children and young people to take a break and enjoy some fun. However, some may be feeling lonely away from their friends in school, worried about exam results or just feeling down. Now could be a good time to check in with a child or young person about how they’re feeling.
Our Your Mind Matters website offers information, guidance and links to resources and organisations that can help you support your child’s mental health.
