The popular Fit and Fed programme is returning to Plymouth this summer, supporting families by providing funded holiday club places for eligible children.
There are more than 80 different holiday clubs taking place during the summer holidays for children aged four to 16 years old.
Funded by the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF), the free clubs are designed to support families with children that receive benefits-related free school meals.
The aim is to provide children and young people with the chance to get active and try new activities, as well as to provide them with a healthy nutritious meal.
There’s a huge range of activities on offer at the holiday clubs, including dance, football, scuba diving, forest schools, water sports and snow sports as well as creative activities, videography, musical theatre and even tabletop gaming.
Councillor Sue Dann, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Sport, Leisure and HR and OD, said: “We know that families are really feeling the pressure of the rising cost of living and this is something we’re working to tackle by developing a new Cost of Living action plan that will support Plymouth residents.
“The fantastic Fit and Fed holiday club programme will provide vital support to local families over the six-week summer holidays. Not only will the young people taking part receive a tasty, filling and healthy meal each day, they’ll also have the chance to create amazing memories and try out some fantastic new activities. At a time when food costs are at a record high and holidays and days out are sadly becoming unaffordable for many, this is needed now more than ever. I’m really pleased that this year our Fit and Fed offering is bigger, better and more inclusive than before so that more families can benefit, with new day sessions for teenagers and more support for children with additional needs too.”
New for this year are Teen Taster sessions, which offer a flexible way for teenagers (12 to 16 years old) to try activities without having to commit to attending every day. The activities on offer include trampolining, go karting, football, ten pin bowling, sailing and laser tag. Food will be provided after each session.
There are also more specialist holiday programmes for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) this year, provided by local special schools and organisations.
While the clubs are primarily for children who receive benefits-related school meals, funded places are also available for: young carers, looked-after children, children with Education, Health and Care Plans, children of recognised refugees, asylum seeking and Ukrainian families, children under Child Protection Plans and those who are home educated but would be eligible for Free School Meals if they were in school.
Bookings for Fit and Fed holiday clubs open on Friday 30 June. Parents and carers need to confirm their child’s eligibility before booking and will then receive a code which enables them to book directly with club providers. Each child can attend a total of 16 days across the summer.
Find out more at www.plymouth.gov.uk/fit-and-fed.