ORGANISATIONS in Hampshire can apply for a grant to help deliver holiday activities and healthy meals to children during the school holidays.

Hampshire County Council has invited grant applications for organisations delivering the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme to help support vulnerable families during the Christmas holidays. 

In total, £25,000 will be available for local signposting activities over the festive holiday. This forms part of the wider HAF funding awarded to the County Council by the Department for Education. 

The (HAF) programme provides enriching activities and healthy meals to eligible children during the Easter, summer and Christmas school holidays. 

Applications for the county council’s signposting grant must be received by Sunday, October 9. Eligible applicants such as Citizens Advice, healthcare providers, family support services, housing support services and Jobcentre Plus could receive individual grants of up to £4,500.

Deputy leader of the county council and executive lead member for children’s services, Cllr Roz Chadd, said: “The rising cost of living continues to be keenly felt by the most vulnerable families in our communities. With the added burden that comes with the festive period, I know that our HAF programme will bring some welcome relief to those facing difficulty.  

“However, we know many families who engage with the programme are often faced with other, more complex issues beyond the immediate pressures of the school holidays. We are keen to ensure that there is wider support available at a local level and that families are equipped with the tools they need to better manage these challenges in the long term. Applications are now open to organisations that can enhance our HAF programme in this way, providing valuable advice on a range of issues such as finance, health and wellbeing, employment and housing.” 

Grants can be used to fund a range of activities, including face-to-face and virtual advice sessions as well as printed and digital resources.  

For the full guidance and application form on the signposting grant go to hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/connectforcommunities/holidayactivities/haf-signposting.