Parents and carers across Torbay may be eligible to benefit from a free holiday clubs programme, known as ‘Healthy Holidays’ over the school summer break.

Made possible by us sharing out £560,000 received as part of the national Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, Healthy Holidays is targeted at primary and secondary school aged children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

The programme which initially ran over the Easter school holidays has been expanded to include the summer and Christmas school holidays in 2021.

Starting on Monday 26 July, eligible children and young people will enjoy 4 weeks of fun activities with friends and get the opportunity to learn and develop new skills.

Sessions are taking place around Torbay at locations including the Acorn Centre, Torbay Leisure Centre and Brixham College and also include a healthy lunch. Specific provisions are available for children with SEND or additional needs, at no additional costs to parents or carers.

Councillor Cordelia Law, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Torbay Council, said; “School holidays, particularly the long summer break can be difficult for families. Healthy Holidays is back to help families who have experienced the most disruption as a result of the pandemic. The summer programme will be running for four out of the six weeks holiday, with children and young people benefitting from four hours of fun activities a day. I would like to say a big thank you to the local clubs, venues and volunteers who will be providing some fantastic experiences for our children and young people this summer.”

Nancy Meehan, Director of Children’s Services, Torbay Council, said; “After a difficult year for many families our Healthy Holidays programme is here to help children enjoy their summer break in a safe environment, with all activities designed to have a positive effect on their health and wellbeing. Not only that, but the programme also helps to alleviate some of the financial parental stress that the school holidays can bring.”

Families whose children are in receipt of benefits-related free school meals that are interested in booking their children onto one of the sessions can do so by visiting: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/healthy-holidays/