Festive help and support for local families this Christmas
Children and their families across the county can get access to extra help and support this Christmas thanks to two schemes being run by Buckinghamshire Council.
Firstly, holiday activity and food (HAF) programme holiday clubs are making a welcome return providing eligible children aged 5-16 years with a wide range of things to do in their local area with each holiday club place coming with a nutritious, hot meal.
Thousands of children benefitted from a similar scheme run over the summer, and activities on offer this time include sport, dance, cooking, art and festive parties. Some providers are even offering day trips to local venues so that children can enjoy a fun day out.
Eligible children will be able to attend up to four HAF sessions, with HAF holiday clubs running all over Buckinghamshire. All activities will be run in a Covid-safe way.
Secondly, £30 digital food vouchers will be provided to eligible families over the Christmas school holiday period to help with the costs of food at this time of year. The food vouchers can be used at Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer Food or Aldi.
Both schemes are funded by the government and delivered on the ground by local councils. Eligible families will receive a letter via their child’s school very shortly explaining more about each scheme and how to access the support.
Anita Cranmer, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services said schemes like these are designed to offer a little extra support this Christmas to help those families that really need it: “Most of us take having a good time at Christmas for granted but there are families that really struggle. Schemes like the HAF programme really do provide a lifeline and I am absolutely delighted that we are running this scheme again for Christmas. We know how popular the HAF programme is, so I would encourage people to look out for the letter coming to them from their children’s school and book on to secure the places they want for their children.”
Steve Bowles, Cabinet Member for Communities added, “I really encourage eligible families to take up the digital food vouchers on offer. They are simple to use and can be redeemed at most major supermarkets by using your mobile phone or printing them out. Just remember to redeem them before they expire.
“I’d also like to remind those really struggling at this time of year, that there is further support available through our Helping Hand team, which includes gas and electricity and other essential household costs.”
Further information about both schemes is available on the council’s website:
www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/haf
www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/helping-hand or call our Helping Hand support line on 01296 531151.