• Government grant tackles holiday hunger and social isolation for thousands Newham’s most vulnerable youngsters
• 2,300 children supported this Christmas
As we turn our thoughts to Christmas and a time of joy – for many across the UK and in Newham the festive season is anything but joyful.
Deprivation and the cost-of-living crisis make this time of year amongst the most stressful – but thanks to the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme – this and all school holidays are made a little easier for those in most need, by providing a free nutritious meal and a range of out-of-school clubs and pursuits.
Today (Tuesday 18 November), Cabinet formally accepted a government grant worth up to £2.2 million a year for the next three years to support the HAF programme.
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE said: “No child in Newham deserves to suffer from a poor diet, hunger, loneliness and a lack of physical activity during the school holidays.
“This Christmas the HAF programme is enabling the Council to work with key partners, including schools and the voluntary, community and faith sector, to provide almost 2,300 Newham children with healthy and nutritious meals in a safe and supportive environment where they could also learn, have fun, socialise.
“It feels especially important at Christmas as the festive period is really all about children – but the fund also supports our families during the Easter and long Summer holidays.
“Alongside our Young People and Food Security Strategy, this programme helps us tackle the issue of holiday hunger, poor nutrition and social isolation, which can have a lasting effect on our children’s health and wellbeing, and lead to lower levels of educational attainment.
“By accepting the grant and continuing this programme, we are honouring our commitment to make sure our children and young people are safe, happy and cared for, with access to positive and enriching activities to secure their long-term wellbeing.”
The new grant will run from 2026 until 2028 and will provide free places at holiday clubs during the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays for primary and secondary age children and young people who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.
The grant will also continue to be used to provide free holiday club places for non-eligible children and young people whom the local authority believe could benefit from attending, including SEND and care experienced children and young people.
The HAF programme is popular with parents, carers and young people alike. This Easter some of the programme users were asked for their comments on the service.
One parent said: “You didn’t just look after my child; you looked after us as a whole family. I didn’t even know where to start with getting help, but thanks to your team, I’ve now spoken to someone about work and even found out about extra support for my son’s needs. Thank you so much.”
Meanwhile a young service user said: “It’s been amazing being able to have fun and see my friends in the holidays. I would’ve just been on my phone at home.”
