Sutton’s summer Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is live, ready for families with children receiving benefits-linked free school meals to book their free holiday activities!

Providers throughout the borough have organised a range of activities that will take place over four weeks of the summer holidays, from 31 July to 1 September, for reception to year 11 children aged 4 to 16, and includes activities for children with additional needs.

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is funded by the Department for Education and delivered by local councils working with local organisations to provide healthy food and fun activities to children and young people.

Sessions include a variety of fun activities, including sports, music, arts, cycling, trips, fun new workshops and other exciting opportunities to learn and further their skills, alongside a nutritious meal each day, at various locations around the borough.

Councillor Marian James, Chair of People Committee said: “Making sure that no child goes hungry during the school holidays is a huge priority for us as a Council, and I am pleased that we are offering this fantastic programme of activities for our most vulnerable children in the borough. We supported over 1,000 children and young people during our Christmas HAF programme, all taking part in activities, learning new skills and making new friends and I want to thank all our providers who worked extremely hard to make this happen.

“With the cost of living continuing to rise and putting pressure on households, I know many families will be concerned about how they will feed their children over the school holidays. I hope that by offering this package of support, we are able to take some of the pressure off parents and carers this summer.”

For information on activities and to book your child’s place, visit www.suttoninformationhub.org.uk/pages/HAF

The council is also providing a £90 food voucher for families whose children receive benefit related free school meals, which they will receive by 21 July. Find out more or register for free school meals. Families not eligible for the HAF programme may also be able to access support with their holiday childcare costs via the same link.

Families who are eligible for Universal Credit may be able to claim back up to 85% of their childcare costs – visit Help With Childcare Costs (gov.uk) to find out more.

Not in receipt of free school meals?
The HAF programme is also available for parents not in receipt of benefits-related free school meals, however there will be a charge by the provider. Please check their booking form for details of their charges. Visit www.suttoninformationhub.org.uk/pages/HAF

There are lots of summer activities for children and young people who are not in receipt of benefits-linked free school meals. The Summer Reading Club encourages children (4 to 11 years old) to read six books over summer and be in with a chance to win prizes. Like every summer, Sutton Council’s Cultural Services brings a Summer Programme of events full of crafts, adventure trails and theatre shows to enjoy. And don’t miss the ‘Stories from the Shed’ series which is a range of storytelling, workshops and art installations from a range of professional creative artists and performers. Please visit the Sutton STEAMs Ahead website to find out more and keep the kids occupied this summer!

The Sutton Family Information Service also has lots of information about what else is available – visit https://bit.ly/3OwfpFi

Worried about the cost of living?
Support is available in Sutton – from money matters to mental health and wellbeing, Sutton Council, local charities, community groups and partners are working together to support residents and those they care about with the rising cost of living.

To find out what support is available or to find out how you can help others, visit www.sutton.gov.uk/w/cost-of-living-support, call 020 8770 5000, visit your library or the Civic Offices.