Free holiday activities for eligible children this Christmas

A fantastic array of free holiday activities is on offer this Christmas for youngsters across the Borough.   

There are more than 2,000 places available for eligible children aged five to 16.

And there's a wide range of sessions to choose from including arts and crafts, baking, bushcraft, cheerleading, cooking, creative arts, dance, filmmaking, gymnastics, horse riding, martial arts, music, sports and swimming!

Each day includes a free nutritious meal for every child taking part.

It's all thanks to the Holidays Are Fun (HAF) programme, being delivered by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council in partnership with Catalyst and the Department for Education.

The activity sessions are running from Monday, December 19 until Friday, December 30, and HAF bookings, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis, are now open (November 22).

The activities are available for families who live in Stockton-on-Tees and who are in receipt of benefits-related free school meals, in receipt of Universal Credit or experiencing financial difficulties.

Councillor Lisa Evans, the Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "With the rising cost of living, it's more important than ever to be able to step in to help families with the free meals and activities over the holiday period.

"We want this to be a Christmas to remember for as many children as possible, as they keep healthy and active, make friends and most importantly of all have lots of fun!

"This really is a wonderful opportunity to take part in a whole range of exciting activities. But it's first-come, first-served, so I'd urge you all to get registered as soon as you can from today to avoid any disappointment."

The Christmas activities follow on from the successful HAF programme during the autumn half term.  

You can find out more information on the HAF programme and view a full timetable of activities by visiting the HAF programme webpage.

For Council news direct to your inbox sign up to our My Council Newsletter.