Have a wonderful winter with FREE school holiday activities

Families looking for something for the kids to do over the school holidays can access over 170 free sessions as part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

There will be nearly 6,000 opportunities for fun this winter thanks to the work of Stoke-on-Trent City Council and The Hubb Foundation.

The scheme will run from 21 December 2024 to 5 January 2025 and offers free activities with a healthy meal thrown in. There are lots of activities on offer from sports and go karting to playing with animals and trips to the theatre.

Councillor Sarah-Jane Colclough, cabinet member for education at Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “We want to make sure children in Stoke-on-Trent have a fantastic Christmas holiday – whatever the weather.

“Winter 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 trips to places like Ninja Warrior and Laser Quest.

“It’s snow joke… there are some brrrr-illiant 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 winter HAF programme continues the city council’s work with The Hubb Foundation, who support the Family Matters programme. 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 children the chance to keep active in the Christmas holiday and have a healthy meal. They are 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.”

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://www.thehubbfoundation.com/what-s-on-1/