As it gears up for another action-packed programme of Easter activities for eligible school-aged children, Hartlepool Holiday Fun has notched up another phenomenal year.
Not only has the Hartlepool Borough Council-run initiative brought joy to thousands of Hartlepool children, opening up a world of exciting free activities over the school holidays along with a tasty, nutritious meal at each session, it has also helped many local organisations too.
Under the terms of the Government funding, Hartlepool Holiday Fun is open to children who receive benefits-related free school meals, and some additional children. Some activity providers may also offer payable spaces for non-eligible children at reduced cost.
In total over the Easter, summer and Christmas 2025 school holidays, a whopping 13,592 session places were taken up, each with a healthy meal.
Councillor Melanie Morley and Councillor Moss Boddy, Vice-Chair of the Council’s Children’s Services Committee, join youngsters for a board game at one of Hartlepool Holiday Fun’s Christmas activity sessions
Performing arts, multi-sports, mindfulness, life skills, football, a forest school, arts and crafts and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) were just a few of the activities on offer.
The economy benefited too – over the 2025/26 financial year a total of 29 voluntary organisations and private companies plus three Council departments were funded through the programme to provide activities and meals.
Councillor Melanie Morley, Chair of the Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “As these impressive figures show, Hartlepool Holiday Fun continues to be an outstanding success.
“It has helped thousands of young people in Hartlepool broaden their horizons, make new friends, build their confidence and continue their learning in a fun way over the school holidays - all the while being able to tuck into tasty, nutritious meals as well.
“Not only that, it has given an important boost to the organisations and companies contracted to provide the activities and food.
“It’s a real Hartlepool success story and one of which we are very proud.”
Booking for all Hartlepool Holiday Fun Easter activities is now open on the new booking system at eequ.org/hartlepoolholidayfun.
There’s no need to create an account – it will be created automatically as part of the booking process. Places for multiple children can now be booked in one go.
Using Eequ, the account holder will be able to check their children’s activity schedule, receive reminders and message the activity provider if they have a query – all from their account.