Centre Spot CIC has been successful in securing funding to provide free holiday clubs programme for children and young people over the school summer break, as part of The Government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF) which will be available throughout the region this summer.

Backed by a nationwide investment of up to £220 million, the expanded programme ran initially during Easter in all local areas and is also scheduled for the Christmas holidays in 2021. It will enable children and young people to enjoy fun activities with friends and learn and develop new skills. The local programme which has been launched in Sandwell is targeted at those who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

The holiday clubs will involve helping young people learn new things, enriching activities from sport, nutrition, as well as improving socialisation, helping young people to have fun with friends this summer. The club will also provide a healthy lunch for children.

The Government’s investment in the HAF programme will build on the foundations laid by Sandwell Council, sporting organisations, charities, and the voluntary sector during the successful programme over the Easter holidays. This initiative is running alongside the £200 million funding announced in February to provide summer schools to help pupils who have experienced the most disruption because of the pandemic.