CFFC and CMBC are supporting families to have healthy holidays

School’s out for summer, and young people in Calderdale can take part in exciting activities, enjoy nutritious meals and meet new friends in a safe environment, as part of the Calderdale Healthy Holidays programme.

With funding from the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme, and in partnership with the Community Foundation for Calderdale, Calderdale Council has been working with local providers to put together a programme of events for school children aged between 4 and 18 years old.

Activities will be delivered by a number of providers across Calderdale, such as schools, voluntary and community organisations, and childcare providers and will take place over the summer holidays from Monday 26 July to Friday 3 September 2021.

Children and young people who receive benefits-related free school meals will be able to access the activities free of charge and nutritional meals and healthy snacks will be provided.

This adds to the activity parcels and healthy recipes which the Council provided to lower-income families during the Easter holidays, which built on the Calderdale-wide Never Hungry Again campaign to end child hunger for good.

Activities on offer include sports camps with professional coaches, arts and crafts, cookery activities and much more. There are lots of dates available throughout the holidays and activities are located across the borough.

COVID safety measures will be in place at all sessions. All providers are being supported by Public Health and continue to keep safety measures up-to-date and in line with the latest government guidance.

The Leader of Calderdale Council, Cllr Tim Swift, said: “The long summer holidays will be welcome for many, after such a challenging school year. However, for some families the upcoming long break can be an anxious time, with worries about managing the family food budget or keeping children entertained.

“The Healthy Holidays programme offers a great selection of entertaining and enriching activities for young people to enjoy throughout the holidays. Each activity includes a daily nutritious meal, ensuring young people have continued access to healthy food and easing worries for families.

“We’re committed to ensuring that children and young people get the good-quality and healthy food that they need, not just during school holidays, but all year round .

The Healthy Holidays programme supports our Never Hungry Again campaign, offering support to the families who need it most.”

Steve Duncan CEO of the Community Foundation for Calderdale commented, "We are here to help everyone in our community and are committed to enabling healthy lifestyles for everyone in our community and as such are proud to continue working with CMBC on this important project."

For more details about sessions in your local area and how to book a place, visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/healthyholidays