Join us to bring some festive joy to the most in-need children and young people of Hartlepool

Published Monday, 18th October 2021

If you can provide fun activities and healthy meals for school aged children and young people we want you to get involved in the delivery of Hartlepool Holiday Fun over the Christmas holidays.

Following a successful Easter and summer programme, organisations, schools and community/voluntary groups are being invited to help continue the success of Hartlepool Holiday Fun and bring some festive joy to make it even bigger and better for the eligible children and young people.

Hartlepool Holiday Fun is led by Hartlepool Borough Council using Government funding and supports children who receive benefits-related free school meals.

Groups taking part will receive funding to provide free holiday activities and nutritious meals for eligible children and young people for at least four hours per day and for four days over the Christmas holiday period.

Organisations wanting to take part should complete an application form which is available – together with further information – at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/hartlepool-holiday-fun

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 12pm on Friday 12th November.

Sally Robinson, the Council’s Director of Children’s and Joint Commissioning Services, said: “Most children and young people look forward to the school holidays as they know they will spend their time relaxing and socialising with relatives and friends. However, for some families, the school holidays represent worrying times with particular pressure and stress, especially around the Christmas period because of increased costs such as food and childcare and reduced incomes.”

“Organisations participating in Hartlepool Holiday Fun play a vital role by ensuring that children and young people in our most vulnerable families don’t go hungry and all our children can enjoy fun activities which keep them stimulated and support their learning and development.”

“We delivered a fantastic programme over the summer holiday period and want to build on the strength of this for our children and young people at Christmas.  We want to hear from schools, voluntary and community groups and other organisations about what they could do for our children and young people to ensure they have enriching, exciting and fulfilling experience over the Christmas holidays.”