Holidays activities and food (HAF) programme grant for providers - Grants

The deadline for applications was 13 October 2024.

Herefordshire Council is looking for groups or organisations who work with children and young people to assist us in delivering our Here for Herefordshire Holidays programme across Herefordshire during the 2024/5 Christmas holidays.

Children from disadvantaged families are more likely to experience 'unhealthy holidays' in terms of nutrition and physical health and more likely to experience social isolation. Using funding provided by the government we will provide free holiday provision which includes, healthy food and enriching activities, across the county to help us tackle this issue.

The funding will ensure that over 4,460 Herefordshire children and young people who receive benefits-related free school meals, are offered the opportunity to take part in creative and sporting activities during these holidays and receive a free healthy meal during the sessions.

The aim of the programme is to deliver up to 4 activity sessions per child (approximately 16 hours) used flexibly (for example, 8 hours over 2 days a week) over the Christmas holidays. These sessions do not need to be provided by a sole provider and if you are a provider that is not able to offer all 4 sessions, we would still encourage you to apply. Please email HAFproviders@herefordshire.gov.uk for more information.

In recognition that there are various factors which can impact upon the capacity of providers during the Christmas holidays, and to ensure that the needs of all eligible children and families are fully met, there is some flexibility on how the provision is delivered. This could include evenings or weekends.

This could also include activities which include children and their families, day trips or experiences (providing that they include an element of physical activity and a healthy meal).

All children attending the activity sessions will be offered a free healthy meal.

What we need activity providers to be able to do

To be able to run these activities we need your experience and resource as a provider. Before you apply to be part of this exciting scheme we need you to:

• Create inclusive, fun and enriching activities for children from low-income families
• Offer a high-quality experience that helps children maintain a healthy level of physical activity
• Help children gain a better understanding of food, nutrition and health
• Provide nutritious and healthy meals. The meal can be provided by a registered food provider
• Offer activities that support their development and wellbeing, including for children with special educational needs, physical and hidden disability
• Ensure children feel safe and secure and have access to the right support services
• Complete mandatory training
• Provide accredited qualifications
• Evaluate the programme's success

To find out more, read the government's holiday activities and food programme guidance.
The guidance includes information about the standards that providers are expected to meet in delivering the programme.

• Community groups, faith groups, charity and voluntary sector, community interest companies
• Organisations or groups that can offer a new bespoke provision to children and young people in Herefordshire
• Organisations or groups which are part of already existing holiday provision in the area
• A mixed arrangement depending on the local supply and demand for provision

The funding is for providers to:

• Offer activities and meals that align with the HAF framework. This includes covering costs for venues, staff, activities, food, and equipment.

The HAF information pack contains full details about the programme.

Before making your application, download and read the HAF information pack , which contains full details of the programme.

Email the HAF team at HAFproviders@herefordshire.gov.uk for an application form and submit your application before 13 October 2024.

HAF Programme 2024 contact details

If you have a question about the Herefordshire Holiday Activities and Food Programme, please contact our HAF project team by email: HAFproviders@herefordshire.gov.uk