Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme is back for summer
Monday 18 July 2022
Wear Here 4 Summer - a Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and delivered locally by Together for Children - is back, and it's bigger and better than ever.
This summer, Wear Here 4 Summer is set to welcome hundreds of young people aged 4 to 16 years to sessions across the city. We've teamed up with over 60 local providers to offer fun, creative sessions that focus on sports, physical activity, games, and developing cooking skills. All activities are provided for free, alongside a delicious and nutritious meal.
The sessions are delivered for a minimum of four hours a day, four days a week over the six-weeks school holidays, with the programme taking place from Monday 25 July to Friday 2 September. The DfE funded programme focuses on supporting those who are eligible for means-tested free school meals during term time and those who are struggling with the cost of living. The programme also offers a range of sessions for young people with a special educational need or disability and their families.
The programme aims to help children and young people to be more active, learn new skills, improve wellbeing, increase self-esteem and make new friends, as well as providing an opportunity for young people to learn about healthy eating and nutrition. Alongside this, signposting to local services ensures families get the support they need at the earliest opportunities.
Most importantly, the sessions will give young people in our city the opportunity to have fun over the summer holidays and enjoy a healthy meal.
Jill Colbert, our Chief Executive, tells us: "We're delighted that Wear Here 4 Summer is back for a second year, following the success of our HAF programmes over the last year. Wear Here 4 Summer is a great opportunity for young people in our city to get outdoors, socialise with their peers and try new things - from sports activities to cooking sessions there's plenty for young people of all ages to enjoy.
"Every child deserves to have a summer spent having fun and making memories in an environment that supports them to develop and thrive. During each session, every young person will receive a healthy meal to keep them energised throughout the day. As the cost of living continues to increase, we know that the school holidays can be a worrying time for families, which is why we're extending our programme to offer free spaces for families in Sunderland who are experiencing financial hardship."
Alongside providers, Together for Children will be hosting a mobile programme with support from their Wear Here 4 You mobile prevention bus. Sunset Sessions will be aimed at young people over the age of 11 and will offer young people an opportunity to get together and take part in activities whilst enjoying music and healthy food from 4pm to 8pm.
Health and Happiness Family Events will provide daytime fun for all the family, whilst STARS SEND Events will offer young people up to the age of 25 with special educational needs and disabilities and their families the opportunity to get together and celebrate the summer with outdoor activities in the sunshine.
For further enquiries, contact us at HAF@togetherforchildren.org.uk.
