Have the best summer ever with FREE school holiday activities

Published: Thursday, 11th July 2024

Families looking for something for the kids to do over the school holidays can access over 889 free activities as part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme

There will be over 30,000 opportunities for fun this summer thanks to the work of Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Hubb Foundation.

The scheme will run from Monday 22 July to Friday 30 August and offers free activities with a healthy meal thrown in. There are lots of activities on offer from gymnastics and basketball sessions to alpaca experiences and craft activities.

Councillor Sarah-Jane Colclough, cabinet member for education: “Whatever the weather we want to make sure children in Stoke-on-Trent have the best summer ever.

“Summer HAF sessions are now live so join us for a range of fun-filled activities and healthy meals – all for free. There’s something for everyone, with a range of SEND accessible activities and things like gym passes for older kids.” 

“There are some sun-believable activities on offer. So, if you live in the city and have a child in reception to year 11, check out the Hubb Foundation website to see what’s going on.”

The Summer HAF programme continues the city council’s work with The Hubb Foundation who are also a key part of the new Family Matters support model. Voluntary sector groups often have some of the best local connections with families.

Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for children’s services said: “It’s really important that we make sure children in the city get access to all the opportunities they need to thrive.

“HAF sessions give kids the chance to keep active, have a healthy meal and give them something to do in the six weeks holidays. Most importantly, they’re all really fun and there’s something for everyone.
“School holidays are always pressure points for families, if you need support please visit www.stoke.gov.uk/helpisathand.”

Adam Yates, Chief Operating Officer at The Hubb Foundation, said: “The partnership teams have pulled out the stops to create over 980 sessions and 30,000 opportunities in our city to offer provision to children and families.

“There are so many different types of activities available right across Stoke-on-Trent which have been created by utilising a number of schools, community groups, partners and leisure services to make it the best summer ever>”

The Department for Education’s HAF funding primarily supports children who receive free school meals. However, in Stoke-on-Trent, a unique partnership between Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Hubb Foundation means more children across the city are able to access the activities programme.

Families can book community sessions across the city at https://bookings.thehubbfoundation.com/