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 in reception through to year 11, healthy and happy and fed during the Easter 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 families claiming free school meals.
Happy Healthy and Active Holidays scheme is part of the Department of Education’s HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme.
Organisations providing healthy meals and fun activities, such as sports, arts & crafts, nature or cooking, should apply to Telford & Wrekin Council for their share of their £854,000 funding pot.
Any organisations that want to find out more and ask questions about the funding can attend an event on 7 February at Meeting Point House, which starts at 6.30pm.
Over 25 local organisations have helped to put on hundreds of holiday clubs attended by around 1500 children in the past year.
The Happy Healthy Active Holidays scheme builds on the work of the council's Holiday Activity and Eat Well programme, which has supported voluntary and community providers to deliver holiday clubs throughout school holidays since 2018.
It also runs alongside the council's 'Kids for a £1' leisure scheme, open to all children in the borough.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families (Lab), said:
"The school holidays can be financially challenging for families, and some children feel isolated, so these 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 Easter.
"This could be your organisation's chance to help support families and make a difference.
"We have a team on hand to answer questions and to support you through the application process step by step.
"Don't be put off if you don't think you nail everything in the criteria; we still want to hear from you.
"There is also a chance to meet the team and ask questions in person at Meeting Point House on 7 February.
"We are proud to be on the side of parents during the school holidays - I have heard from parents how children have returned home excited and bursting with ideas after each session.
"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."
Attend the find out more event
Find out more about Happy Healthy Active Holidays and ask any questions you have at our in-person event.
Taking place at Meeting Point House Southwater, TF3 4HS, 7 February, 6.30pm - 8.30pm.
Provide an RSVP with your name and organisations name by emailing holidayactivityhub@telford.gov.uk, by Friday, 3rd February 2023.
The deadline for grant applications is 14 February – to make an application, visit https://www.telford.gov.uk/hhah
