The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is returning this summer for four weeks during the school holidays to help keep children in Gloucestershire happy, healthy, and entertained with free activities and nutritious food.

Families who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals can register now for the summer HAF. This summer, using grant funding, the county council is once again able to extend fun, enriching holiday activities to all children and young people through its Holiday Activities Programme (HAP).

Both the HAF and HAP summer programmes will run across four weeks during the school holidays.

Families are encouraged to check their local district HAF webpages to see information about what's happening near where they live. Booking for all activities across the county will open at midday on Monday, July 1.

Feedback from families about the HAF programme is overwhelmingly positive:

• "Both of my children enjoyed their time, and both learned an activity they had never tried before."

• "My child has additional needs and I am always wary of sending him anywhere, but he couldn't wait to go back."
• "My child struggles with social anxiety. The art teacher was amazing and knew exactly what to do."
• "This has been a life-saver. We're not having a holiday and I don't know what we'd have done without these activities."
• "I loved the archery contest. Making a paper aeroplane and the buffet was really nice."
• "I've been to other things, but this is the best. We know and trust the staff. The children are safe, they meet new friends, learn new things, and bring things they have made home with them."

Families will be given time to browse activities before booking opens, to help them decide in advance which sessions they would like to attend. All activities on offer across Gloucestershire are now available to view.

There are lots of great options to choose from including drama and science workshops, sports and games, art and crafts, music and dance, indoor and outdoor activities, as well as the ever-popular ticketed attractions.

More information about the programme is available at: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/haf 

If they haven't done so already, families are encouraged to:

Register for the Children's Activities Booking System (CABS) now to make sure they can view the activities which will be available in their district, and select their choices when booking opens on Monday, July 1.

Follow their district lead on social media to see what is happening in their area.

Families who require additional support to choose, book or attend HAF activities, can receive support from six HAF Community Connectors, one for each district of Gloucestershire.

Ann James, executive director of children's services at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "The Holiday Activities and Food programme helps to keep children and young people happy, healthy and entertained during the school holidays offering an ever-increasing range of enjoyable and educational activities. It's wonderful to hear from parents, children and young people how much they value it.

"I would encourage eligible families to sign up now, so they are ready for when activity booking opens on Monday, July 1."

"HAF Community Connectors are on standby to help anyone who needs help when choosing, booking or attending HAF activities."