A county council scheme that helps children at Christmas has issued around 19,000 vouchers this week.  

This Christmas, the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is for children in Cambridgeshire who are eligible for free school meals.  

It helps them enjoy enriching experiences and nutritious foods over the festivities.

Vouchers offer 16 hours of access, for no charge, to a HAF scheme this Christmas, subject to availability.   

This continuing initiative offers primary and secondary school children in Cambridgeshire the chance to enjoy a range of exciting experiences.  

With a focus on providing healthy meals alongside engaging activities, this programme is ideal for children who want to stay healthy and active this Christmas. 

The HAF scheme is part of the County Council’s ‘Be Winter Wise’ campaign, which aims to keep communities across Cambridgeshire informed and prepared to stay safe and healthy during the winter months of 2023 and 2024.  

Each session will include a nutritious meal, a variety of exciting activities or sports and the opportunity to socialise with other children.  

Subject to availability of places, any child receiving benefit-related free school meals is eligible for the programme.  

The programme will run from December 21 to January 3, with the exception of bank holidays.  

Eligible children can attend a holiday scheme for free for up to 16 hours. 

The scheme is funded by the Department for Education.  

Cllr Bryony Goodliffe, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Children and Young People Committee, said: “I am delighted that we can continue this wonderful scheme in Cambridgeshire during the school Christmas holidays.  

“The benefits that this programme brings runs directly alongside the work we’re already doing to educate children and young people.  

“We hope that this will further promote the benefits of physical activity, as well as the emphasis on nutritious eating.”