Holiday Activities and Food annual report 2025

Background

In early 2022, we identified a lack of teenage engagement in the mainstream HAF programme. Addressing this gap among such an important age group quickly became a key priority for the Gateshead HAF programme. Discussions with HAF Leads across England during this period confirmed that this was not unique to Gateshead; it was a widespread challenge affecting many HAF programmes nationally.

Building on our previous successful collaborations with Professor Greta Defeyter, Professor of Developmental Psychology at Northumbria University, we engaged her and her academic team to support this work. We were confident that their innovative and research-informed approach would help Gateshead Council develop, design, and deliver a new HAF Plus programme tailored specifically for teenagers.

Professor Defeyter and her team developed a design sprint model, working closely with teenagers in Gateshead alongside key adult stakeholders. Through this collaborative process, they co-designed a distinctive HAF Plus programme that reflects the needs and interests of young people. Supported by Gateshead Council, the NUFC Foundation, and the Gateshead Youth Assembly, this partnership drove the planning and development of the programme.

Throughout autumn and winter 2022, young people—supported by these key partner organisations—played a central role in co-designing the HAF Plus model for Gateshead. In recognition of their work, they were invited to present this innovative programme to the Department for Education in October 2022.

HAF Plus 2025

To support the continuation and expansion of HAFplus, Gateshead Council commissioned the development of a dedicated app to host the programme, enabling a transition from a paper-based system to a digital platform. The app has since been successfully implemented during Summer and Winter 2024, Easter 2025, Summer 2025, and Christmas 2025.

The HAFplus app is accessible to children via a unique code issued by the HAF team, allowing them to download, access, and log in to the platform.

We continue to use the HAF Plus app developed with Nebula Labs to support delivery of the programme. Throughout 2025, we focused on further enhancing the app, making it more user-friendly and accessible for teenagers. Nebula Labs have consistently provided exceptional service, working closely with the Gateshead Council HAF team to continually improve accessibility and engagement for those participating in the HAF Plus programme.

"It's easy to use with no fuss!"

This event was a celebration of the HAFplus programme and provided children with a wonderful opportunity to come together and take part in a fun-filled day of activities. It gave each child the chance to meet and socialise with other young people who had also participated in the programme, helping to build new friendships and strengthen a sense of community.

Throughout the day, a wide variety of engaging and enjoyable activities were available to suit different interests and encourage participation. Children had the opportunity to get involved in cooking sessions, take part in sports activities, explore entrepreneurship, and enjoy more adventurous experiences such as swimming and climbing. These activities were designed to be both fun and enriching, supporting the development of new skills and confidence.

Lunch was provided for every young person who attended, ensuring that all participants were well catered for and able to fully enjoy the day. Overall, the event was a positive and memorable experience for everyone involved, celebrating achievements and encouraging continued engagement in future programmes.

The young people who participated in HAF Plus noted that they enjoyed the food element of the programme. Young people were provided with free food vouchers, allowing them to choose from a variety of establishments including Grounded Kitchen, Subway and Greggs.

"I loved Grounded Kitchen with all my heart and soul."

Providing young people with travel passes also proved very successful, allowing them to travel to and from activities, and giving them a sense of independence.

"Having your bus fare paid for already and stuff and not having to worry about the money made it so much easier to go out with friends, because you were like 'ah I've got this I don't need to worry about having the money for it'. I didn't need to worry about my Pop Card if I'd lost that or something. It just made it a lot simpler."

The HAF Plus app, developed in partnership with Nebula Labs, proved important to the success of the programme - it allowed young people to make and cancel registrations to clubs themselves.

"Well, most people have phones and its easier than all going to the Metrocentre and signing up on bits of paper and then it makes it easier to cancel. Yeah, and then you've always got your phone on you so it's convenient."

Case Study: HAF Plus and Age UK - Garden Mural

Working in partnership with Creative Youth Opportunities CIC, several young people from our HAF Plus 2025 cohort spent a series of bright, sunny days at Age UK Gateshead's Dementia Wellbeing Centre, bringing creativity and community spirit together through art. During their time there, the group designed and painted a magnificent mural that celebrates the rich character and identity of Gateshead and the wider North East.

The artwork features a collection of iconic local landmarks, thoughtfully chosen to reflect the heritage and pride of the region. In the lead-up to the project, the teenagers worked closely with both Age UK Gateshead and Creative Youth Opportunities CIC, collaborating to develop a bespoke design that would resonate with visitors, staff, and members of the centre.

This project not only allowed the young people to showcase their artistic talents but also provided a meaningful opportunity to engage with the local community, contributing to a welcoming and inspiring environment for those who use the Dementia Wellbeing Centre.

"Welcome to Age UK Gateshead's Dementia Wellbeing Centre, where we believe that every day is a chance for joy, connection, and cherished memories! Our hub is a vibrant, welcoming space designed to bring smiles and laughter to all who join us." Once again in 2025, with guidance and support from Greta's academic team, NUcastle Foundation and Gateshead Council, the young people involved managed their own independent programme of activities, making their own decisions on what activities to engage or attend.

Activities included:

• Barista workshops with Collie Makes Coffee, learning the art of making cafe-grade coffee
• Mural painting at Age UK, in collaboration with Creative Youth Opportunities
• 10-pin bowling
• Escape rooms
• Boardgame hangouts
• Cooking sessions
• Climbing wall
• Creative writing workshops with New Writing North