Government funded free activities, primarily aimed at children and young people who receive benefits related free school meals in West Suffolk, has opened for bookings.
Places will also be available for families in financial hardship under the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme which will take place over the school spring (Easter) holidays.
West Suffolk Council which coordinates the HAF programme on behalf of Suffolk County Council is working with 18 partner organisations to deliver the activities.
Cllr Donna Higgins said: “The cost-of-living crisis is continuing to impact families pushing them into poverty. The latest available data shows that 21 per cent of pupils in Suffolk were eligible for free school meals. The figures show the number of children needing this support is continuing to rise both nationally and here in Suffolk.
“The Government’s HAF programme exists to support families with children living in poverty through the school holidays when they may well not be able to get a hot meal.
“We are also able as we have before to use some of the Government funding to make spaces available to families in financial hardship who wouldn’t otherwise qualify for this support.
“But we are very clear that this scheme isn’t the answer to poverty itself nor the continued impact of the cost-of-living crisis. We still need to see more being done at a national level to get to the causes of poverty and inequality so that everyone has the same chances and opportunities in life.
“In the meantime, we are now taking bookings for the HAF programme. Families who qualify for benefits related free school meals and those in financial hardship should check out the HAF programme and book their places.”
The HAF spring programme in West Suffolk includes of 1735 places across 124 sessions. Activities include swimming, sports, family park cooking, horse riding, fitness, environmental projects, roller skating, Easter themed creative workshops, Easter egg hunts, yoga and mindfulness and forest schools.
Families with children on benefits related free school meals should have already received information through their school about HAF in their area. Those in financial hardship can find out how to apply for a place or places at https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/leisure/holiday-events.cfm
For more on cost-of-living advice and support in West Suffolk visit www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/cost-of-living