With the summer holidays just weeks away, Cumbria County Council has announced a timetable of free activities and nutritious meals for eligible children.
Cumbria’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme has got hundreds of activities lined up across the county, covering everything from djing to canoeing.
Children who receive benefits related free school meals will be eligible to attend the activity sessions for free alongside other children in particular circumstances and there will also be paid places available for non-eligible children.
Some activity providers will also offer transport from pick up and drop off points across the county.
Councillor Deborah Earl, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health, said: “With the cost-of-living continuing to soar, programmes like Cumbria’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme are becoming ever more important to both; support Cumbrian families with childcare costs over the school holidays and to give our young people the opportunity to take part in activities they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to attend.
“I really look forward to seeing the smiles on the faces of our young people once activities start at the end of term.”
Activities are funded by the Government’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme, which was introduced to help lower-income families who struggle over the summer.
Guy Thompson, HAF Project Officer said: “We are working with over 80 providers in Cumbria to create opportunities for young people to get involved with new and enriching activities from sport to music, dance, drama, canoeing, cooking and fire fighter training, as well as improving socialisation and helping young people to have fun with friends during their summer holidays.
“We believe we have pulled together a fantastic range of activities and there really is something for everyone. The programme is due to start in Cumbria on the 21st of July and places are filling up fast.”
Cumbrian families can visit www.cumbria.gov.uk/holidays to see the activities on offer and book.
All activities must be booked in advance.
