Days until our HAF winter programme beginsFunded by the Department for Education, our FREE holiday activities and food (HAF) programme provides healthy food and enriching activities for primary and secondary school-aged children eligible for benefits-related free school meals.
The aim of the programme is to:
support children to eat healthier and be more active over the school holidays
give children a greater knowledge of health and nutrition
enable children to become more engaged with school and other local services.
HAF Winter Programme 2024
The Winter Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) will be running from Monday 23 December 2024 to Friday 3 January 2025 for all eligible children, young people, and families. We will be holding a provider event on Wednesday 4 December between 3.30pm to 6.30pm at Central Link Family Hub, Peter Street, St Helens, WA10 2EB. We would like to invite parents/carers and children/young people to drop in and meet with HAF providers to have a better idea of what activities are on offer and an opportunity for you to ask any questions that you may have. Refreshments will be available. Those who wish to attend must be eligible to access the HAF programme.
We've produced an action-packed fun guide to show you all of the great things that are happening across St Helens borough over the festive season.
If your child is aged 4-18 and eligible for benefit related free school meal sand would like to attend, please see our list of providers who will be running the activities. Children who are in receipt of a support plan or EHCP are also eligible for the HAF programme.
Take a look at our HAF Winter 2024 Guide(PDF)[32MB](opens new window) to see what is happening near you. The guide is presented in a handy calendar format to help you plan activities for each day during the school holidays.
Find FREE events and activities suitable for you using the age ranges next to the listings.
We have endeavoured to ensure that all sessions are SEND friendly, but would advise you to pre-book sessions and speak to the facilitator for further information on suitability and individual requirements for your children.
Activities are subject to change at short notice and places are subject to availability.
The Deafness Resource Centre have produced a BSL video explaining more about the HAF winter programme
HAF Winter 2024 Guide
Click the images below to view activities taking place between 23 December 2024 - 3 January 2025 or view the HAF Winter 2024 Guide on our website.
HAF Winter 2024 Front cover
HAF Winter 2024 Front cover
HAF Winter 2024 Guide
Photos from previous sessions
Family Hubs Blackpool Zoo Trip - families enjoying a day trip to Blackpool Zoo
Family Hubs Blackpool Zoo Day trip
Families enjoying a daytrip to Blackpool Zoo
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Family Hubs Southport Roller Skating Trip - families enjoying an afternoon of roller skating
Family Hubs Southport Roller Skating Trip
Families enjoying an afternoon of roller skating
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Family Hubs Trip to Crosby Marina - children and young people participating in problem solving games and an archery session
Family Hubs Trip to Crosby Marina
Children and young people participating in problem solving games and an archery session
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St Helens Library Services - children, young people and their families enjoying SEND Summertime Play Sessions and Gaming Lounge Sessions
St Helens Library Service SEND summertime play
Children, young people and their families enjoying SEND Summertime Play Sessions
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Positive Life Workshop CIC - children and young people enjoying pottery painting sessions
Positive Life Workshop CIC pottery painting
Children and young people enjoying Pottery Painting sessions
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Rockets Community Club - children and young people participating in boxing, multi-sports and football camp sessions
Rockets Community Club multisports
Children and young people participating in Boxing, Multi-Sports and Football Camp sessions
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Is my child eligible?
The HAF programme is primarily for children aged 4-18 years who are eligible for and receiving benefits-related free school meals. Children are also eligible if:
they are in receipt of a support plan via Early Help, Child In Need or Children We Look After
they have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP)
they receive additional hours at school
Not all activity providers will be able to accommodate the full age range of the programme. Please check with the provider what age group is appropriate to their activity.
Do you have provision for children with SEND?
We have SEND specific and SEND accessible activities for children across the programme. Look out for this key guide:
SS -SEND Specific: solely for children and young people with SEND and their families (mild to moderate additional needs)
S - SEND Friendly: venue or event where providers have general SEND awareness and small adjustments can be made
SA -SEND Accessible: physically accessible venue or event
SE - SEND Expertise: solely for children and young people with SEND and their families (complex additional needs)
F - Family Friendly: accessible for all families.
How do we access the programme?
To access the programme, simply book a place through one of the providers we list. Please note that booking details differ depending on each provider.
What do our children, young people and their parent/carers have to say about HAF?
Watch the video below to hear some of the feedback we've received from those who have taken part in HAF activities.
