Families in Bradford are being urged to sign up for a council-run summer holiday activities and food programme. The scheme - also known as the 'holiday hunger' programme - offers free meals and access to clubs for children who receive benefits-related free school meals or who have special educational needs. Bradford Council, which provides the clubs with the support of government funding, said it was working with nearly 100 local organisations this summer. Deputy leader Imran Khan said the programme had already had a "remarkable impact" on young people in the Bradford district and he hoped many more would benefit this year. Among the providers is the Yorkshire Academy of Creative Arts and Dance, whose Creative Arts Summer Camp runs from 28 July to 23 August. Artistic director Matthew Jay Pratt said the impact on young people from having access to the scheme was profound. "We find that during summer, we have a very different audience who access our provisions," he said. "These are often children and young people who don't usually access any sort of creative arts and dance; they just want to give it a try. "We offer a safe, active, creative space where children and young people can freely express themselves." He said the aim was to" boost confidence and resilience" among the young people, adding: "This isn't just arts and crafts - it's about supporting their emotional wellbeing." The holiday activities and food programme started as a pilot in 2018 under the then Conservative-led government. It was rolled out to councils after further successful pilots and was significantly expanded in 2021 following the pandemic, after calls for increased support for low-income families. Acampaign by footballer Marcus Rashfordwas widely regarded as having helped convince Ministers to expand the programme and invest hundreds of millions of pounds into it. Khan said the scheme helped children stay active during the holidays, learn new skills, and make new friends in a safe and fun environment. "Plus, they get a nutritious meal every day and learn about healthy eating," he said. "It is great for parents too, knowing their children are having fun in a safe, engaging environment and being well fed. "I encourage families with eligible children to take advantage of this great offer and get their child involved this summer." Listen to highlights fromWest Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latestepisode of Look North.
Families urged to sign up to 'holiday hunger' clubs
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"Bradford Council Encourages Families to Join Summer Holiday Activities and Food Programme"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Families in Bradford are being encouraged to enroll in a summer holiday activities and food programme, administered by the local council, aimed at combating 'holiday hunger'. This initiative is particularly designed for children who qualify for benefits-related free school meals or have special educational needs. With the support of government funding, Bradford Council is collaborating with nearly 100 local organizations to provide these clubs this summer. Deputy leader Imran Khan highlighted the programme's significant impact on the youth in the Bradford district, expressing hope that this year, even more children would benefit from the initiative. One of the participating organizations is the Yorkshire Academy of Creative Arts and Dance, which runs a Creative Arts Summer Camp from July 28 to August 23. Artistic director Matthew Jay Pratt emphasized the transformative effect of the programme, stating that it attracts a diverse audience of children and young people who typically do not engage in creative arts. The camp aims to create a supportive environment where participants can freely express themselves and develop confidence and resilience, addressing not only creative skills but also emotional wellbeing.
The holiday activities and food programme originated as a pilot project in 2018 under the previous Conservative government and has since been expanded significantly, particularly in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and calls for enhanced support for low-income families. The campaign led by footballer Marcus Rashford played a pivotal role in persuading the government to allocate hundreds of millions of pounds to expand the programme. Khan noted that the scheme enables children to remain active during the summer, acquire new skills, and forge friendships in a secure and enjoyable setting. Additionally, participants receive nutritious meals daily, allowing them to learn about healthy eating practices. Khan urged families with eligible children to take full advantage of this valuable opportunity, ensuring that their children can engage in fun activities while being well-fed and supported during the summer months.
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