Grant applications are now open for community groups to make a difference to children and young people in next year’s school holidays.
The successful Healthy Holidays Calderdale programme is back again in 2024, providing inspiring free activities and meals to children from lower-income families.
The expense of school holidays can be difficult for these families, when children lose access to free school meals and the physical activity that comes with the routine of school life.
Calderdale Council has a priority to reduce inequalities across local communities. Through the Healthy Holidays programme, it aims to ensure that the most disadvantaged children and young people have equal opportunities to be active and healthy during school holidays. The programme is funded by the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme.
Calderdale Council and the Community Foundation for Calderdale are looking for a wide variety of organisations to deliver school holiday activities in spring, summer and winter 2024.
Community groups can apply for funding at https://cffc.co.uk/healthy-holidays-calderdale-2024/(external link) by 10am on Wednesday 18 October 2023. The funding is to support children eligible for benefits-related free school meals.
Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Towns, Tourism and Voluntary Sector, said:
“Calderdale’s amazing community organisations are crucial to the success of our Healthy Holidays programme. So far this year, they have supported over 5000 children and young people through 25,000 sessions across the borough.
“The free activities and food that they provide not only support local families with the cost of living; they also inspire youngsters and give them new experiences and skills that might otherwise be out of reach.
“We’ve heard some truly heart-warming stories about the positive impact of Healthy Holidays. One child said it was the best thing they’d ever done. We’re looking for activity providers that can bring more life-changing benefits in 2024.”
Steve Duncan, CEO of CFFC, added:
“Creating opportunities for children in Calderdale is a priority for us and we have been impressed with the wide variety of activities on offer from groups that we have funded. We are keen to help groups make a difference to as many children as possible in the school holidays and encourage groups to apply for a grant.”
Organisations interested in applying for the Healthy Holidays Calderdale 2024 programme are invited to an informal information session at Orange Box Young People’s Centre in Halifax on Monday 2 October, from 11.30am to 1.30pm. Bookings can be made at https://HealthyHolidaysCalderdale2024.eventbrite.co.uk(external link)
For more information about Healthy Holidays Calderdale, please visit https://new.calderdale.gov.uk/communities/healthy-holidays-calderdale