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Summer HAF2023 is back, bigger and better than ever.

23 June 2023
Free Summer Holiday Clubs across Wirral - triptych image 2 young girls on activity frame, young girl wearing white chef hat preparing food and young boy playing football

Get set for summer 2023! The Holiday Activities with Food (HAF) programme is back and better than ever, funded by the Department for Education and coordinated by Edsential on behalf Wirral Council.

With a massive 64 clubs across the area, children and young people aged between 5-16 can experience a variety of fun and exciting activities from graffiti art workshops to sports activities to cookery sessions! In addition to this, all children will receive nutritious meals to stay nourished and energised throughout the programme, what mores if you are eligible for free school meals the programme is completely free.

In spring, Edsential’s HAF programme supported over 4,500 children and young people, and parents have been shouting about the benefits. One parent said:

I cannot express how grateful I am for the Holiday Activities with Food programme. Not only did it provide my child with a fun and engaging way to spend their school holidays, but it also ensured they received nutritious meals every day. As a parent, it's such a relief to know my child is being well taken care of, both physically and mentally.

A parent

Heather Lewis, HAF Programme Manager, says,

We're thrilled to be able to offer an even more exciting range of activities this year for children and young people in west Cheshire. Our aim is to provide a safe, fun, and inclusive environment for them to learn, grow and make new friends. By participating in the programme, children and young people's outcomes can be changed for the better.

Heather Lewis, HAF Programme Manager

Cllr Sue Powell-Wilde, Chair of the Children, Young People and Education Committee for Wirral Council, said:

The school summer holidays are long and while they provide a much-needed and valued break for families, they can also be difficult for those who are less well-off in our society and who rely upon schools for support during term time.

The activities provided for free under the HAF programme are invaluable to keep young people mentally and physically active over the summer holidays while the food support also ensures they receive regular, balanced meals over the six- or seven-week break.

Cllr Sue Powell-Wilde, Chair of the Children, Young People and Education Committee

Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity - check if your child is eligible for free school meals today and unlock a range of benefits, including access to the Holiday Activities with Food programme and free nutritious lunches during term time.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your child's space now at one of the summer holiday activity clubs across the borough by visiting: www.edsential.com/haf-wirral-council