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A comprehensive winter programme offering a wide variety of activities for eligible children and young people has been unveiled for the upcoming Christmas holidays. These events will be organised by local voluntary groups and community sector organisations, aiming to engage children throughout the festive break. The Winter Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF) is scheduled to begin on 22 December, with bookings now open for families to select preferred activities.
The initiative is tailored for children and young people from reception age up to 16 years who qualify for benefits-related free school meals. The programme includes several activities specifically designed for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) or additional requirements, ensuring inclusive participation free of charge. Participants can choose from a diverse array of options spanning both festive and general activities, such as pantomime outings, arts and crafts, decoration making, and visits to Santa’s Grotto.
In addition to traditional holiday experiences, the programme features a variety of dynamic activities including winter wonderland discos, roller skating, rave dance sessions, cheerleading, tumbling, zorbing, nerf battles, circus skills, Lego workshops, film viewing, jewellery making, basketball, trampolining, and ice skating. Each child attending the activities will also be provided with a meal.
Liverpool City Council, collaborating with partners such as the Mersey Play Action Council, local schools, community organisations, and childcare providers, is responsible for coordinating the Winter HAF programme, which is funded by the Department for Education. To facilitate families in locating and reserving activities, a central booking system has been put in place. Additionally, the Family Information and SEND Directory (FISD) offers extensive support and relevant information for families.
Cllr Liz Parsons, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Services, highlighted the importance of the scheme: “The Holiday Activities and Food programme makes a welcome return this Christmas. From sports and dancing to cooking and DJing with loads more choice in between, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone. Our programme has now become a vital part of many families’ holiday plans, and we know that it is especially valued by parents who may be facing challenges due to the cost-of-living crisis. A very special shout out also needs to go to all the volunteers who also make the programme such a success – their passion and commitment to supporting families in Liverpool really shows the best of our city.”
Colin Heaney, HAF coordinator at Merseyside Play Action Council, further emphasized the programme’s value by stating, “Every child has the right to play. The Holiday Activities and Food Programme in Liverpool provides children with the opportunity to take part in a range of free activities that help them grow and develop in a safe and stimulating environment, supported by trained staff and volunteers. The reality is that right across the city, thousands of children and young people will be creating, exploring, debating, sharing, learning, caring, and developing new skills, as well as receiving a healthy meal. Over the winter break, our providers will be delivering activities for children and young people in receipt of benefits-related free school meals.”
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