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    Holiday activities and food

    Welcome to Brighten the Day our holiday activities and food (HAF) programme.Over the last few years thousands of school aged children have joined in our programme that provides free healthy food and fun activities during the school holidays.  Read more about our HAF programme in our annual report.

    Brighten the Day summer 2025

    If you/your child are entitled to benefits related free school meals you will receive a voucher in your inbox from 25 June 2025 (check your spam folder if you can't see it).  

    Find out more about making a booking

    If you're are interested in activities for older children, check back on Monday 14 July for more details of our HAFplus programme.

    Activities for when Brighten the Day isn't running

    To keep children busy and active when our programme isn't running, we've pulled together a range of online and outdoor activities that are available to all Gateshead families. The activities range from bike rides and nature walks to healthy cooking ideas, crafts and much more. 

    If you have any questions about Brighten the Day please contact us.

    Brighten the Day is funded by the Department of Education Holiday Activities and Food programme.  

    Read the Department for Education's privacy notice for the HAF programme 2024 (PDF, 145 KB)

    What is Brighten the Day?

    Brighten the Day is Gateshead Council's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.

    The HAF programme provides food and fun things to do for children who usually get a free school meal. It usually takes place during Summer and Easter school holidays and occasionally during other school holidays. 

    As well as getting a meal, Brighten the Day is a great way for children to have fun and make new friends. Our exciting programme takes place in venues across Gateshead and has something for everyone no matter what their age.  

    If you do not currently get benefits-related free school meals, you can apply online. The process is quick and easy.  Apply for free school meals (opens new window)

    Online and outdoor activities

    When our holiday activities and food programme isn't running there are still a whole range of free, fun activities to keep children and young people busy both online and in the great outdoors.

    Term time activities

    Arts and crafts

    Getting crafty is a great way to spend some and it doesn't have to be expensive either. Turn every day things at home in to some fantastic creative crafts.

    Outdoor activities

    Spending time in the great outdoors is good for the mind, body and soul. Take some time to explore what's on offer right on your doorstep.

    What to cook/eat

    Stuck in a recipe rut? Discover new recipes to cook and eat with your family.

    Classes and things to do

    Useful information for parents and carers when looking for something for children of all ages to do in Gateshead.
    See more (Go to Term time activities)

    Gateshead Family Hubs

    Gateshead's Family Hubs provide a welcoming space for families and the wider community.

    We support families from conception to the age of two so that all children get the best start in life. Support continues for children up the age of 19 and to age 25 for young people who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

    See Gateshead Family Hubs

    Contact us

    If you have any queries about Brighten the Day please use our contact us form and someone will come back to you.

    Contact us