Blackburn with Darwen have launched their biggest-ever Holiday activities and food (HAF) programme, offering free activities and free meals for those eligible.
The programme now offers longer sessions to support working parents, more days per week, courses and even youth work in vulnerable areas of our communities.
If your child is eligible for free school meals, from Summer 2026 you will be able to access a range of SEND sessions, free music and creative arts camps, STEM workshops, outdoor adventures and even 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 designed to support families during the school holidays and offer children and young people exciting activities as well as a nutritious meal. Helping to keep children fuelled, active and ready to enjoy the fun.
Eligible families will have to book a place online. The electronic voucher will be provided via your child’s school and the HolidayActivities website. You can use this to book available sessions throughout the summer across community centres, parks, schools, colleges and youth hubs.
You will need to create an account on the Holiday Activities website and input your voucher details to secure a place with one of the various delivery partners throughout 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.
Place are limited, so families are encouraged to book early. Find out more about the Holiday activities and food (HAF) programme.
If you have any questions or need any support, please email HAF-YPS@blackburn.gov.uk or call 01254 298622.