More grants up for grabs to help run holiday clubs
Organisations in Telford and Wrekin can now apply for grants to run holiday clubs to help keep children healthy and happy during the Christmas school holidays.
A substantial funding pot is up for grabs as part of Telford & Wrekin Council's Happy Healthy and Active Holidays scheme, which aims to support low-income families.
Organisations that can provide healthy meals and fun activities, such as sports, arts & crafts, nature or cooking, should apply.
Over 20 local organisations have helped to put on hundreds of holiday clubs in the past year.
During the Summer Holidays, around 1500 children participated in holiday clubs that allowed them to stay active, spend time with friends and enjoy a free nutritious meal.
Following the scheme's success in 2021, the government confirmed the programme would continue for the next three years.
Telford & Wrekin Council have been allocated an additional £843,000 from the Department of Education to run the scheme during 2022.
The Happy Healthy Active Holidays scheme builds on the work of the Council's own Holiday Activity and Eat Well programme, which has supported voluntary and community providers to deliver holiday clubs throughout school holidays since 2018.
Happy Healthy Active Holidays and the Holiday Activity and Eat Well programme also runs alongside the council's 'Kids for a £1' leisure scheme, ensuring all children in the borough can enjoy happy, healthy and active holidays.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families (Labour), said:
"The school holidays can be financially challenging for families, and some children feel isolated - so these holiday clubs make a difference to those who need it most.
"With the cost of living crisis, these clubs will be more important than ever this Christmas.
"We are proud to be on the side of parents during the school holidays - I have heard from parents how their children have returned home excited after each session and are bursting with ideas.
"This could be your organisation's chance to help support families during what can be a difficult time.
"We have a team on hand to answer questions and to help you make an application.
"So don't be put off if you don't think you nail everything in the criteria; we still want to hear from you.
"With our help, community groups have provided holiday activities and nutritious meals to children for several years.
"This additional funding from the Department of Education allows us to provide holiday clubs on a wider basis."
The deadline for grant applications is 2 December, to make an application visit https://www.telford.gov.uk/hhah
