Free activities and meals being delivered for eligible children this half-term

Free holiday activities and meals are being delivered for eligible children across the Stockton-on-Tees Borough this October half-term.

There are a range of sessions on offer, including football, tennis and Halloween trails and quizzes.

Each activity will also come with a free meal for the hundreds of children aged from five to 16 who are signed up.

The scheme is being delivered for children who live in areas across the Borough where the number of children on free school meals is highest.

It's all thanks to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Public Health funding, with support from Catalyst.

And the scheme follows on from the Holiday Activities Fund which was run by the Council in partnership with the Department for Education during the summer holidays.

Councillor Jim Beall, the Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, said: "We know that the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been devastating and it's more important than ever for children to stay active and have a healthy meal each day.

"And unfortunately school holidays can be pressure points for families because of the costs associated with out-of-school activities and food, which creates a 'holiday experience gap' for some children.

"This is why we've stepped in again to offer the free activities and meals, which we know will be vitally important for the health and wellbeing of the children involved.

"We're expecting to reach more than 500 children in the half-term holidays and it's heartening to know what a positive difference it will make to their time off school.

"Plus there are lots of great activities on offer with something to suit every interest and ability!"

PICTURE CAPTION: The Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, Councillor Jim Beall, preparing food alongside Tracey Hamilton, Trust Manager of Eastern Ravens Trust.