We’re calling on parents and carers throughout the city to sign their kids up for a summer of fantastic free fun.
If your child is currently in Reception to year 11 and receives benefit-related free school meals, you can register for any of the amazing no cost holiday clubs.
We’ve teamed up with 27 first class holiday activity providers who’ll be delivering an exciting range of activities.
Activities for everyone
Children and young people have a chance to try everything from archery, skateboarding and beach volleyball to dance and drama, or maybe they fancy junk modelling or learning to play a musical instrument.
And that’s just a small taster of what’s on offer - there really is something for everyone!
With more than 45 venues across the city, this is a great opportunity for everyone to have fun making new friends and trying lots of awesome activities throughout the summer holidays.
No need to bother with a packed lunch
There’s even a free tasty meal provided at each session to remove the hassle of packing a lunchbox.
The holiday clubs are part of our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which is funded by the Department for Education and delivered by the council in partnership with holiday club providers across the city.
HAF is also supported by footballer Marcus Rashford who ran a high-profile campaign calling on the government to provide better support over the summer holidays for the 1.3 million children in England who receive benefit-related free school meals.
Marcus is also urging parents and carers to sign up to the HAF programme.
Clubs ‘part of our commitment for a fairer Brighton & Hove’
Councillor Hannah Clare, chair of the council’s Children, Young People and Skills committee, said: “I’m extremely pleased we’re continuing to expand and develop our fun-filled holiday sessions for children who receive benefit-related free school meals.
“School holidays can be very expensive for some families due to extra childcare and food prices, plus the added stress of spiralling living costs.
“The clubs are a great way of supporting families and providing essential childcare during holiday periods, and are part of our commitment for a fairer Brighton & Hove.
“The clubs also allow parents and carers to have a well-deserved break knowing their children are being cared for by approved, accredited activity professionals.
‘Sign up as soon as possible’
“I’d recommend and encourage parents and carers to sign up as soon as possible.”
To get involved families must first complete a HAF Programme request form which only takes a few minutes, then visit the HAF webpage to choose activities and book directly with the provider.
Places are limited, so book quickly!
HAF information
- Since HAF launched in the city in April 2021, free activities and meals have been available during all the long school holiday periods – Easter, summer and Christmas
- In 2021, a total of 973 children and young people took part in 5,526 activity sessions provided by 30 different local organisations
- In total, HAF in Brighton & Hove has provided 7,506 nutritious meals, along with fun-based nutritional education, including family cookery sessions
Find out more about HAF and get involved today.
