The application process is now closed.
In Manchester, we recognise that school holidays for some families can be a challenging time. The pressure of reduced incomes and increased costs such as food and childcare can feel hard during these times, and for some children and young people this creates gaps in accessing organised holiday activity. This can result in ‘unhealthy holidays’ - increased holiday hunger, limited access to nutritious and healthy meals alongside limited access to physical and fun activities. All of which can contribute to the likelihood of experiencing social isolation. Sadly, these issues were also further exasperated by the Covid-19 pandemic. In response to this, the Department of Education (DfE) has provided local authorities with Holiday Activity Funding (HAF) to develop a free activity and food programme during the holidays. This means we are able to work with clubs and organisations across the city to develop a food and activity programme to respond to the above, which we know will make a positive impact on the children and young people of Manchester. From Summer 2021 - Autumn 2022, Manchester City Council and MCRactive offered thousands of FREE places to children eligible for benefit related free school meals and those with no recourse to public funds; to access a variety of activities over the school holiday periods. Activities range from Sport and Physical Activities, Arts and Crafts and sometimes can include a variety of Day Trips. Our work with holiday activity has gone from strength to strength over the past year, with a focus on providing support for children and families eligible for free school meals, with the funding secured from the Department for Education; allowing us to deliver enriching and inclusive activities alongside a healthy meal. During 2022 (not including the Christmas holiday), Manchester commissioned 115 unique providers to receive Holiday Activity Funding to deliver a meal and activities over school holidays. Aimed at local 6-16 years old in receipt of free school meals, we delivered:
- 3,466 sessions
- 81,847 engagements
- 14,572 children
Now it’s time for Youth Providers to apply for the Holiday Activity Fund programme for the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays during 2023.
Your application for any 2023 HAF activities must be submitted online by 5pm on Tuesday 31 January 2023.
If you require a downloadable application form please email HAF@mcractive.com
Please read the Prospectus and guidance before starting the form.