School holidays can be tough for families. While kids are excited about their break, parents often worry about keeping them fed, entertained, and safe. If you're struggling to make ends meet, those long summer weeks or Christmas holidays can feel overwhelming. That's where HAF Holiday Clubs come in – and they might be exactly what your family needs.
What Are HAF Holiday Clubs?
HAF stands for Holiday Activities and Food – a government programme that's been supporting families since 2018. These clubs run during school holidays (Easter, summer, and Christmas) and they're completely free for eligible families.
Think of them as a lifeline during those times when school meals aren't available and childcare costs would normally pile up. HAF clubs provide a safe, fun place for children aged 4-16 to spend their holidays, complete with nutritious meals and activities they'll actually enjoy.
Who Can Join HAF Holiday Clubs?
The main requirement is that your child receives free school meals due to benefits. But it's not just about that – local councils can also offer places to children who are considered vulnerable, even if they don't qualify for free school meals.
At New Direction Services CIC, we particularly focus on supporting families affected by domestic abuse and those who need extra help getting active and engaged in their communities. We understand that vulnerability comes in many forms, and we're here to help however we can.
What Happens at a HAF Club?
Every day at a HAF club starts with knowing your child will get at least one proper, nutritious meal. We're talking about food that meets school standards – not just snacks or sandwiches. For many families, this alone makes a huge difference to the weekly food budget.
But it's so much more than just meals. Children get involved in:
- Arts and crafts that let them express creativity
- Sports and physical activities to keep them moving
- Drama and music sessions that build confidence
- Educational trips to places they might never otherwise visit
- Social activities that help them make genuine friendships
The beauty of HAF clubs is that they're designed to be fun first. Kids don't feel like they're in some kind of "poor kids club" – they're just having a brilliant time with their friends.
Benefits for Children
We see amazing changes in the children who attend our HAF clubs. They become more confident, more active, and more socially connected. Many parents tell us their kids come home excited about new friends they've made or skills they've learned.
For children who might feel isolated during school holidays, these clubs provide crucial social interaction. They're mixing with other kids, learning to work as a team, and building the kind of friendships that can last well beyond the holiday period.
The physical activities are particularly important. Many children from vulnerable families don't have access to sports clubs or fitness activities that cost money. HAF clubs give them the chance to try new sports, develop physical skills, and simply enjoy being active.
Support for Parents and Families
Parents often tell us that HAF clubs are a "lifeline" – and we completely understand why. When you're already struggling financially, school holidays can push you to breaking point. Suddenly you need to find childcare, extra food money, and ways to keep the kids entertained, all while potentially losing income from work.
HAF clubs remove these pressures. Your children are safe, fed, and happy, which means you can:
- Continue working without expensive childcare costs
- Save money on food (families typically save over £300 during holiday periods)
- Have peace of mind knowing your children are in a safe environment
- Access additional support services through the club
At New Direction Services CIC, we understand that many of our families are dealing with complex situations. Our staff are trained to spot when additional support might be needed, and we can connect families with other services that could help.
Our Approach at New Direction Services CIC
We run our HAF clubs with a special focus on families affected by domestic abuse and those who need extra support to become more active and engaged. We know that for some families, even accessing a service like this can feel daunting.
That's why we work hard to create a welcoming, non-judgmental environment where everyone feels safe and valued. Our staff understand trauma and the complex needs that vulnerable families might have. We're not just providing childcare – we're offering a community.
We also focus heavily on physical activity and getting people moving. We've seen how transformative regular exercise and outdoor activities can be for both children and adults dealing with difficult circumstances. Our clubs incorporate plenty of physical activity, from structured sports to nature walks and playground games.
Building Community Connections
One of the most powerful aspects of HAF clubs is how they connect families to their local community. Children make friends with kids from their area, parents meet other families going through similar experiences, and everyone becomes part of a supportive network.
We often hear from parents that the friendships their children make at HAF clubs continue throughout the school term. Kids arrange to meet up, parents stay in touch, and what started as a holiday club becomes an ongoing source of support and community.
This sense of belonging is incredibly important for vulnerable families who might otherwise feel isolated or disconnected from their neighborhood.
The Practical Benefits
Let's be honest about the practical side – HAF clubs make a real difference to family finances. When you're not spending money on:
- Daily meals for the children
- Entertainment and activities
- Emergency childcare so you can work
The savings really add up. Many families use this breathing space to get ahead on bills, save a little money, or simply not go further into debt during expensive holiday periods.
How to Find Out More
If you think HAF Holiday Clubs might help your family, we'd love to hear from you. You don't need to commit to anything – just get in touch and we can explain how it all works and whether your children would be eligible.
Every family's situation is different, and we understand that reaching out for support can feel difficult. Our team at New Direction Services CIC is experienced in working with vulnerable families, and we'll make sure you feel comfortable and supported from the moment you contact us.
You can find more information about all our services at New Direction Services CIC, or get in touch directly to discuss HAF clubs and how they might work for your family.
Remember – asking for support isn't a sign of failure, it's a sign of strength. HAF Holiday Clubs exist because every child deserves to have fun, make friends, and enjoy their school holidays, regardless of their family's financial situation. We're here to help make that happen.