Holiday activities and food programme (HAF)

Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) is a programme of free activities during the school holidays for eligible families.

This is funded by the Department for Education (DFE) and split into 4 days at spring, 16 days in summer and 4 days in winter.

Winter HAF vouchers

HAF vouchers for the winter holiday period will be sent on Monday 24 November 2025.

Vouchers are sent to all children aged 4 to 16 (in reception to year 11) who are eligible for benefits related free school meals.

You should receive an email or text from hello@holidayactivities.com.

You will need the code on the voucher to book activities.

If you have not received a voucher by 24 November, and you think you should have, contact your child's school.

Children not eligible for free school meals

We can use up to 15% of the funding for HAF places for children who are not eligible for benefits related free school meals.

This is for school aged children whose parents struggle to pay for holiday activities and as result of other circumstances or vulnerabilities would really benefit from a free place.

Schools and other professionals such as social workers and the Children and Family Wellbeing Service can issue vouchers in these circumstances. Schools have received guidance on who this applies to.

This could be:

  • children being supported on an early help plan
  • children with a child and family plan
  • young carers
  • children looked after or subject to special guardianship order
  • families in crisis – such as sudden bereavement, illness or financial problems or refugee families

If you think your child may be eligible for HAF funding in these circumstances either:

  • speak to your child's school
  • or ask a professional supporting you to email cfw-haf@lancashire.gov.uk and include the following information:
    • your child's full name
    • your child's date of birth
    • the district you require a voucher for, such as West Lancs, Rossendale or Burnley
    • parent/guardian's full name
    • parent/guardian's email address
    • parent/guardian's contact number
    • the reason for the request

What's on in your district

You can find out what's on in each district using the links below.

Children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)

Sadly, we cannot offer places to all children with SEND as our funding is limited.

If you request a place for your child, we will need to consider other vulnerabilities.

Our SEND local offer website has more information about support and services in Lancashire for children with SEND.

Helping clubs to meet your child's needs

If your child has an education, health and care (EHC) plan, SEND or any specific needs, you'll be asked some questions when you register. Your answers will help clubs understand your child's specific needs. Please answer these honestly.

By giving the club as much information as you can, you will help them to:

  • make any necessary adjustments beforehand
  • help their staff understand how to make your child feel welcome and comfortable
  • ensure your child's needs are met

Booking a place

You can only use the voucher to book activities in the district where your child goes to school.

For example, if your child goes to school in Lytham, you will get a Fylde voucher, and the booking platform will display all the clubs in Fylde.

If your child needs to attend a club in another district, you can request a new voucher for that district.

You must request the new voucher before you book any places. If you request a new voucher, you will not be able to book clubs in the district your original voucher was for.

To request a change email cfw-haf@lancashire.gov.uk and include the following information:

  • your child's full name
  • your child's date of birth
  • the district your voucher was issued for such as South Ribble, Chorley or Pendle
  • the district you would like it changed to
  • your full name
  • your email address
  • your mobile contact number
  • the reason for the request

12 to 16 year olds

Our Targeted Youth Service is running HAF activities in all our districts.

They have super fun holiday activities and food programmes just for high schoolers!

Whether you’re into sports, arts, or just hanging out with friends, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy delicious meals while you’re at it.

Youth work is all about helping you with your personal, educational, and social development. It’s a space where you’re treated with respect, and you get to explore, socialise, learn, and make your voice heard.

So, if you’re looking to grow, learn, and have a blast, youth work is where it’s at!

To find out more, contact your nearest Family Hub.

Contact us

If you have any questions about HAF email: cfw-haf@lancashire.gov.uk.

We value your feedback

If your child has attended one of the HAF sessions, please help us improve our service and complete our Parental Feedback Form.