Children and families across Derby are enjoying a wide range of free activities and nutritious meals this summer as part of the city’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

The Summer HAF programme is now well underway, with children and young people taking part in activities delivered by providers across the city throughout the school holidays.

From sport and physical activity to arts, creativity, outdoor adventures and new skills, the programme offers a wide range of opportunities for children and young people to get involved, make new friends and try something different.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills at Derby City Council, said:

It's fantastic to see children and young people across Derby enjoying such a wide range of HAF activities this summer.

The programme gives children the chance to try new things, stay active, make friends and enjoy nutritious meals, helping families to make the most of the school holidays.”

Three HAF providers are among those delivering activities this summer, each offering a different experience for children and highlighting the variety of opportunities available through the programme.

Adam, from AM Sports said:

AM Sports’ Summer HAF Club in Spondon provides children and young people with a safe, welcoming and engaging place to spend their school holidays. The programme gives children the opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills, make friends and enjoy positive experiences within their own and the wider community.

By providing accessible activities during the summer holidays, AM Sports is helping to support local families, reduce social isolation and encourage healthier, more active lifestyles. The club also creates a strong sense of community by bringing children, families, staff and local organisations together.

It is fantastic to see initiatives like the Summer HAF Club making a real difference in Spondon, giving young people positive opportunities and helping them feel connected, valued and part of their local community.”

Nadia Jane, from NJPA, said:

Summer HAF at NJPA has been absolutely incredible this year. Delivering across our Green Lane and Allenton provisions, we have welcomed so many children and families and created a summer full of new experiences, friendships, confidence and fun. From dance, boxing and gymnastics to trips, sports, creative activities and special themed days, our aim has been to make sure every child has something to look forward to when they walk through the door.

For us, HAF is about so much more than providing activities and food during the school holidays. We have seen children arrive nervous and unsure and leave with new friends and so much more confidence. We have also been able to build relationships with families and introduce children to activities they may never have had the opportunity to experience otherwise.

Seeing the children excited to come back each day has been the biggest success for us. We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful to be part of a programme that makes such a positive difference to children and families across Derby.”

Flourish & Thrive said:

We pride ourselves on providing a genuinely inclusive environment where children with different needs and abilities can participate alongside their peers. The feedback we are receiving from parents and carers strongly reflects this, with families telling us that their children feel welcomed, included and understood.

For us, one of the biggest measures of success is seeing families choose to return to Flourish & Thrive. It demonstrates the trust they have developed in our team and the value they place on the provision we offer.

HAF is about far more than providing activities and a meal during the school holidays. We are seeing it build confidence, friendships, community connections and lasting relationships with families who know they can turn to Flourish & Thrive for support beyond the holiday programme.”

There are still spaces available on some Summer HAF activities, but families are encouraged to book soon as there is not much time left before the end of the summer holidays. Parents and guardians of eligible children have been sent an email from the Holiday Activities system including their booking link and unique code.

With the summer programme drawing to a close, the council and HAF providers are already looking ahead to the Winter HAF programme, with more opportunities for children and young people to get involved during the Christmas holidays.