Political comment: Havant MP Alan Mak urges parents to sign up for free Christmas holiday clubs
This release has been submitted by Alan Mak MP.
The HoliHavant MP Alan Mak has urged parents to sign up for free Christmas children's holiday clubs.day Activities and Food (HAF) programme is back this Christmas, bringing festive fun and support to families most in need during the school holidays.
HAF providers in the Havant area are now taking bookings and families are being encouraged to secure their spot to ensure children don’t miss out.
As part of Hampshire County Council’s connect4communities programme, almost 120 sites across the county will be running HAF schemes this Christmas.
They offer free activities and wholesome food each day for those receiving benefits-related free school meals during term time and other vulnerable school-age children.
As well as enjoying hot, nutritious meals, children are encouraged to be active by participating in sports and spending time outdoors, plus trying a range of activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, games and free play.
The HAF programme was started and funded by the last Conservative Government, with sufficient funding until March 2025 already announced before the July 2024 General Election.
Mr Mak said: "I've always been a big supporter of HAF - the programme is a great combination of fun and learning during the school holidays, plus children get a healthy meal too.
"I urge parents to sign up so that their children don't miss out."
To find out what's on offer locally, please go to https://fish.hants.gov.uk/kb5/hampshire/directory/advice.page?id=XRlTDNF8hhM.
To register and book a space, please go to www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/connectforcommunities/holidayactivities/register.