Blackburn with Darwen has launched its biggest-ever Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) Programme, offering free activities and free meals for eligible children and young people.
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The refreshed programme now includes longer sessions, more days each week, courses and youth work in vulnerable areas of the borough.
From Summer 2026, children eligible for free school meals will be able to access SEND sessions, free music and creative arts camps, STEM workshops, outdoor adventures and residential opportunities.
Councillor Julie Gunn, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “We know school holidays can be a challenging time for many families. This programme gives young people a safe, fun and supportive place to be. We’re proud to invest in our young people. Our job is to build happier, healthier and safer communities, where young families can thrive.”
The programme is aimed at supporting families during the school holidays and giving children and young people activities as well as a nutritious meal.
Eligible families will need to book online. An electronic voucher will be provided through your child’s school and the HolidayActivities website, which can then be used to book sessions across community centres, parks, schools, colleges and youth hubs.
Families will need to create an account on the Holiday Activities website and enter their voucher details to secure a place with one of the delivery partners across the borough.
Partners include IMO, Youth Action, Sportcool, Face, Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone(s), Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, We Are Noise, New Ground Together and Young Peoples Services and One Voice.
Places are limited, so families are being encouraged to book early. More information is available at HolidayActivities: https://app.holidayactivities.com/login
If you have any questions or need support, email HAF-YPS@blackburn.gov.uk or call 01254 298622.
