For residents looking for fun and creative activities for children and young people running throughout the Christmas holidays, it’s not too late to book on the many free sessions and events on offer for those receiving benefits-related free school meals across the East Riding.
Dates for the remainder of the school holidays include activities in Beverley, Bridlington, Cottingham, Hornsea, Hedon, Driffield, Goole, North Ferriby, South Hunsley and Withernsea, such as holidays clubs for festive fun and crafts, a wide range of sport and play activities, as well as family events, music, yoga, cookery, nature walks and art.
All Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes are primarily aimed at those aged between five and 16 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals as part of a national scheme for local authorities. A small number of places are available to other children who have special educational needs and disability (SEND), an education, health and care plan (ECHP), are young carers, aged four but going to school in the next academic term or for those who live in Goole, Beverley, Bridlington, Driffield or Withernsea regardless of their free school meals status.
Already this month, the HAF scheme has provided 1,900 tickets for children and young people eligible for benefits related free school meals and their families to see this year’s pantomime at Bridlington Spa, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, including a Christmas dinner beforehand in the Royal Hall, as well as 600 tickets for a relaxed performance aimed at those on the autistic spectrum and a signed BSL performance.
To book an activity, please contact the individual providers listed on the Active East Riding website, or for more information about the programme, visit the Holiday Activities and Food page. Please note eligibility may be checked when booking.
Sign up for the newsletter to find out about future events: Holiday Activities and Food (activeeastriding.co.uk)
Help for Households this winter
Additional to the above scheme, details about further support for families with children is available on East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Help for Households webpage, including advice and support on applying for free school meals, school clothing grants, help with childcare costs and maternity grants.
The wider website also offers general financial support for all residents, help with household bills and debts, plus a range of support services, alongside government and community support.
Visit www.eastriding.gov.uk/helpforhouseholds to see what help and support is available. Residents without access to the internet and in need of help can contact the council on (01482) 393939.