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, 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.
Booking is available now for sessions running from Tuesday 2 to Friday 5 January 2024. Places are limited, so people are encouraged to book as soon as possible. More information about all the available sessions and information about how to book is available at https://healthyholidays.calderdale.gov.uk/
The Healthy Holidays programme has been providing free activities and nutritious meals to children and young people in the school holidays since 2021. The Council and the Community Foundation for Calderdale work with a wide variety of organisations to deliver the programme.
A regular partner in the programme, 51st Pellon Scouts, delivered activities for hundreds of young people in summer 2023, in partnership with Beech Hill School in Halifax. This year, the group were awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service, for their work improving lives and raising aspirations by connecting young people and communities through scouting. The group also won the Charity of the Year at the 2023 Calderdale Community Spirit Awards, with several other Healthy Holidays providers also nominated as part of the ceremony.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Towns, Tourism and Voluntary Sector, Cllr Sarah Courtney, said:
“The school holidays can be a difficult time for families and existing pressures can be 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.
“Calderdale’s amazing community organisations are crucial to the success of our Healthy Holidays programme and it’s wonderful news that a regular contributor to the scheme, the 51st Pellon Group has received such prestigious recognition for the work they do to support local communities. We’re very proud of them and all our Healthy Holidays partners and many volunteers, for supporting the programme and making a difference for local families.”
The Healthy Holidays 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 during the cost of living crisis, visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/mwic with advice on a wide range of topics.
ENDS