Children in Stoke will be supported with meals and activities this Christmas.
A popular scheme that has supported thousands of youngsters with healthy food and fun activities during school holidays will continue over the festive season.
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme will run from December 19 to 30.
All ages
This Christmas there will be 140 sessions, totalling 6,644 opportunities available to children between the ages of five and 16.
Sessions will offer a variety of activities such as sport, enrichment activities and nutrition workshops in addition to a free healthy meal. More than 1800 hampers and 500 activity packs will also be distributed to families across the city.
School holidays can be pressure points for some families due to increased costs and reduced incomes. Some children are more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health and some from lower-income families are less likely to access fun activities.
Partnership
Stoke Councillor Dave Evans, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Our partnership with the Hubb Foundation has been highly successful. Over 40,000 opportunities were generated for children and young people last year during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays.
“It is anticipated that even more opportunities will be generated during 2022, using the £1,483,380 Department for Education (DfE) grant.
“We know many households are already struggling with the rise in the cost of living so this Christmas our HAF programme will be much needed support for many families in the city.”
Support
Adam Yates, Hubb Foundation chief operating officer, added: “Our team at the Hubb Foundation work tirelessly all year round working with schools, community venues and our fabulous delivery partners to ensure that we can offer a breadth of support to as many children and families as we can.
“We are passionate about what we do and proud of the Hubb Foundation’s journey.”
