CUMBRIA'S Holiday Activity and Food Programme will be hosting hundreds of events for the upcoming summer.

The activities are funded by the Government’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF); all the activities are free for families whose children receive benefits-related free school meals.

The programme will also fund additional free places for young people in particular circumstances, with eligibility for funding depending on the organisation running the activity.

Some activity providers also offer transport from pick up and drop off points across Cumbria. Most activities also have paid-for places available to all children and young people.

To help Cumbrian families choose from the huge range on offer, leaflets detailing the different activities on offer from the various districts have been produced. Leaflets include booking information:

  • Allerdale
  • Barrow
  • Carlisle
  • Copeland
  • Eden
  • South Lakeland

Cumbrian families can also visit www.cumbria.gov.uk/holidays to see the activities on offer and book. All activities must be booked in advance.

Councillor Deborah Earl, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health, said: “It’s fantastic to see the wide range of activities on offer across the county - whether Cumbrian young people want to choose activities they know and love or try something new, there’s something for everyone this summer holidays.

“With the cost-of-living continuing to soar, programmes like Cumbria’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme are becoming ever more important to both; support Cumbrian families with childcare costs over the school holidays and to give our young people the opportunity to take part in activities they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to attend.

“I really look forward to seeing the smiles on the faces of our young people once activities start at the end of term.”

Guy Thompson, HAF Project Officer said: “We are working with over 80 providers in Cumbria to create opportunities for young people to get involved with new and enriching activities from sport to music, dance, drama, canoeing, cooking and fire fighter training, as well as improving socialisation and helping young people to have fun with friends during their summer holidays. 

“We believe we have pulled together a fantastic range of activities and there really is something for everyone. The programme is due to start in Cumbria on the 21st of July and places are filling up fast.

“If you have questions about the activities on offer, how to book or your eligibility please contact the HAF team at HAF@cumbria.gov.uk”

Families can also sign up to Cumbria’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme mailing list to get the latest updates for the summer programme and beyond.