Free winter fun for families this Christmas

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is back to help keep children in Gloucestershire happy, healthy, and entertained with free activities and nutritious food.

A collage of images of Summer HAF Festival by Gloucestershire County Council.

Families eligible for benefits-related free school meals can register now for the winter HAF. Thanks to grant funding, the county council is pleased to extend these fun, enriching holiday activities to all children and young people through the Holiday Activities Programme (HAP).

Most activities will be taking place between 21 December and 5 January. Families are encouraged to check their local district HAF webpages to see information about what’s happening near where they live.

Booking opens at midday on Monday 2 December, but families can browse activities from midday on Monday 18 November to plan which ones they would like to attend.

Since HAF began, the programme has provided more than 170,000 activity sessions for children and young people across the county, helping to create memorable experiences for thousands of families who have shared how much they greatly value the opportunities it offers.

• “They’ve got circus skills, forest school, Little Monsters rugby and football which my son has really enjoyed, and the art gallery, they’ve enjoyed it all.”
• “My girls like the arts and crafts, painting and making beads, my son likes the climbing wall and football, it covers something that they all enjoy.”
• “I’ve been to other things, but this is the best. We know and trust the staff. The children are safe, they meet new friends, learn new things, and bring things they have made home with them.”

This winter there are lots of great options to choose from including drama and science workshops, sports and games, art and crafts, music and dance, indoor and outdoor activities, as well as the very popular ticketed attractions such as ice skating and pantomimes. More information about the programme is available at: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/haf.

If they haven’t done so already, families are encouraged to:

• Register for the Children’s Activities Booking System (CABS) now to be ready to view and select activities
• Follow their district lead on social media to stay updated on local events.

Families needing extra support to choose, book, or attend HAF activities can get help from six HAF Community Connectors, one for each district. This winter, there’s also a Specialist SEND Community Connector to improve support for children and young people with additional needs.

Cllr Paul McLain cabinet member for children at Gloucestershire County Council said: “Families have told us just how much they value the Holiday Activities and Food programme, so I’m delighted that it’s back again this winter to provide free, fun activities for children and young people.

“It’s a great way to stay active, learn new things, and make wonderful memories. I’d encourage families who haven’t registered yet to do so now, so they’re ready when booking opens. HAF Community Connectors can provide support if anyone needs help with choosing, booking, or attending activities.”