Being part of the HAF programme is our way of enabling & continuing the positive impact it is already having on children & young people in the Dorset area – making our centre more accessible to families on low come households.
The governments research has shown:
School holidays can be pressure points for some families. For some children this can lead to a holiday experience gap, with children from low-income households being:
- less likely to access organised out-of-school activities
- more likely to experience ‘unhealthy holidays’ in terms of nutrition and physical health
- more likely to experience social isolation
Dorset Council work closely with local organisations, holiday clubs & activity providers to make sure there’s a variety of activities available that appeal to children and young people of all ages and abilities.
As a community based multi – activity centre we are able to involve children in physical activities they may not have experienced before, as well as providing some knowledge on nutrition.
Health Activity & Food Programme (HAF)
FAQS
Who is eligible?
HAF is for school aged children from reception to year 11 who receive benefits-related free school meals.
Benefits-related free school meals (FSM) are available to pupils if their parents are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits, and have a claim verified by their school or local authority.
How to be part of the programme?
If your children are eligible benefit-related free school meals, use the following link to register them for free activities:
What next?
Once you sign up, Dorset Council will send you your Summer in Dorset pass code by text or email.
Keep that code somewhere safe as you’ll need it to book free places on holiday activities with us & other providers throughout the year.
When is our next programme?
We’re hoping to be partaking again in 2024, over the Easter & Summer school holidays.
Keep your eyes peeled on the Summer in Dorset’s Help and Kindness Page:
What will my Programme include?
Your programme can consist of any of the Below
- Kayaking
- Paddle – boarding (including the bigger boards for multiple people)
- Raft building
- Sailing
- Team games
How to book onto our activities?
Through the Help and Kindness Page.
We will get in touch via email to confirm your children’s spaces.
What do you need to bring?
We provide all the kit.
If your children would like to wear their own wetsuits that is fine. We do have spare wet shoes, but if they have their own, please bring those along with a towel & change of clothes. An old pair of trainers they don’t mind getting wet would be ideal.
All sessions include the use of the onsite changing facilities & hot shower.
What food do we provide?
After each activity session we provide a hot lunch, catered by Weymouth College.