The Christmas school holidays are just around the corner and young people in Calderdale are once again able to enjoy exciting activities, all including a free, nutritious warm meal, as part of the Healthy Holidays Calderdale programme.
Funded by the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme, and in partnership with the Community Foundation for Calderdale (CFFC), Calderdale Council has been working with local providers to put together a programme of events for school children aged between 5 and 16 years old.
Organisations across the borough are delivering a wide range of activities for young people who are eligible for free school meals. Activities include sports, games, creative activities and days out to local attractions. Every child who attends also receives a warm, nutritious meal as part of the session.
The winter programme runs from 19 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. To view the programme and to book a place, visit healthyholidays.calderdale.gov.uk(external link)
Healthy Holidays Calderdale has been providing free activities and nutritious meals to children and young people in the school holidays since 2021. The programme continues to grow and develop, with 2025 being the most successful year yet.
The latest national figures show that the Calderdale programme has achieved the highest reach in the UK this year. As part of the summer programme, 57.7% of children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals, took part in Healthy Holidays Calderdale activities, compared to a national average of 20.8%. This is also an increase of 30% compared to the borough’s 2024 figures.
This is a key achievement in the Council’s work to tackle poverty, working closely alongside partners and the wider community to make a meaningful difference to many people’s lives, helping them to alleviate financial pressures and access vital support services.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Cllr Danielle Durrans, said:
“The school holidays can be a difficult time for families, especially at this time of year when existing pressures are exacerbated by the Christmas season. I’m delighted that once again, we’re able to offer places on our Healthy Holidays scheme, providing young people with activities and a nutritious meal and supporting local families who may be struggling.
“I’m really proud of the success of the Healthy Holidays Calderdale programme, and it’s wonderful news that the Calderdale programme achieved the highest reach in the country, directly benefitting families across the borough.
“This success reflects the dedication of our fantastic providers, the strong partnerships with schools, venues and community organisations, and the brilliant engagement from families across Calderdale. Together, we’ve created a programme that truly supports children and strengthens our communities.”
Steve Duncan, CEO of CFFC added:
“Healthy Holidays Calderdale is a brilliant example of what happens when kindness, community spirit and partnership come together. We’re proud to work with the Council and local providers to help make the school holidays happier, healthier and more hopeful for local families.”
The Healthy Holidays Calderdale programme supports the Council’s priority to reduce inequalities, creating opportunities for young people and supporting local families during school holidays.
For further help and practical support with the cost of living, visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/mwic(external link) with advice on a wide range of topics.