Hampshire County Council has opened bookings for its Holiday Activities and Food programme this summer, offering free places to eligible families across 180 schemes delivered by 70 providers countywide.
The council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) initiative returns for the 2025 summer break, with eligible families now able to browse and reserve complimentary places for their children at local programmes throughout the county.
“I don’t know what I would do without HAF for my two sons. The HAF camp is the first time my sons have had their needs met and not been turned away. I can continue to work in the holidays now I have a childcare option,” said one Hampshire parent.
Hampshire’s summer HAF programme ranks amongst the UK’s largest, providing diverse enriching activities and healthy meals through 70 providers operating 180 programmes across local communities, accommodating approximately 7,000 children.
The Government introduced HAF nationally in 2018 to address difficulties encountered by low-income families during school breaks, particularly concerning social isolation, inadequate nutrition, and insufficient physical activity. Whilst the programme primarily targets children qualifying for benefit-related free school meals, up to 15 per cent of spaces are reserved for other children who might benefit from HAF assistance, including those with Education, Health and Care Plans or referrals from social services or schools.
Councillor Roz Chadd, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, commented:
“I’ve witnessed first-hand the remarkable impact the HAF programme delivers for young people throughout Hampshire. Children explore new activities, build friendships, and crucially – enjoy themselves. For parents, it provides welcome support, creating secure, stimulating environments and healthy meals for their children.”
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She continued: “Our providers excel at helping children develop positive attitudes towards food and exercise during these holiday sessions that can continue into adulthood and influence a child’s future path.”
Families can discover more information and register for HAF bookings via the Family Information and Services Hub.
Family and child poverty continue as major concerns locally and nationally. During the past year in Hampshire, over 2,200 additional children qualified for free school meals, raising the total to almost 38,000. This increase demonstrates growing family pressures from the cost-of-living crisis, including escalating housing, food, and utility expenses.
Beyond HAF, Hampshire County Council maintains family support through various services, including the Household Support Fund alongside expanded childcare and wraparound school provision. These programmes collaborate to address food insecurity, housing difficulties, and affordable childcare access for working families.
“He really enjoyed himself and hasn’t stopped talking about it on the way home. He struggles to integrate with new people, but you and your team have managed to help him overcome that. You clearly care about the youngsters you work with!” commented another Hampshire parent.
